Walking for Health wins National accolade

8th June 2010

Congratulations to Carlisle Doorstep Walks, who have renewed their accreditation through Walking for Health, a joint initiative between Natural England and the Department of Health.

Carlisle Doorstep Walks originally gained their accreditation in 2008 and have just demonstrated that they continue to meet the required criteria in their annual review. This includes offering led walks for beginners, meeting the "Walking for Health" safety and insurance standards for all walks and collecting basic monitoring information.
As an accredited scheme, Carlisle Doorstep Walks will benefit from being seen as part of a nationally evaluated scheme as well as being formally recognised by health professionals, prospective partners and funders.

Emma Dixon, Physical Activity Development Officer at Carlisle City Council and Scheme co-ordinator for Carlisle Doorstep Walks, says:
[" I am thrilled we have received this accreditation again. It recognises the hard work that goes into the scheme, from everyone involved (including the many partners and fantastic volunteers), to make it the success it is. I have witnessed first hand the real benefits of this scheme and the impact it can have on individual's lives. I hope that with continued support we can to grow and develop further.  "]

William Bird, Strategic Health Advisor for Natural England says:
"The accreditation scheme has been essential in ensuring high standards across the Walking for Health network and providing frontline health professionals with added confidence when referring their patients on."

Carlisle Doorstep Walks welcomes new walkers throughout the year. Five walks take place each week starting from a variety of locations around Carlisle. If you'd like to walk with Carlisle Doorstep Walks or train as a Walking for Health Volunteer Walk Leader please contact the Scheme Co-ordinator, Emma Dixon. You can also view the full programme and other health walks in your area here.

Walking for Health
Walking for Health is the largest national body promoting and setting the standards for led health walks. It is a joint initiative between Natural England and the Department of Health.
Walking for Health aims to get more people walking in their own communities, especially those who take little exercise or live in areas of poor health. The initiative has helped to create over 590 local health walk schemes across England and has trained over 40,000 Volunteer Walk Leaders. We support schemes through training for walk leaders, advice on setting up a new scheme, insurance, evaluation and free leaflets to help promote walking.
Our health walks are free to participants and provide an easy way of getting regular exercise. There is compelling evidence of the benefits of moderate physical activity. Those who exercise enjoy greater life expectancy with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, colonic cancer and osteoporosis. Walking can also be a catalyst for connecting people with many other aspects of health, such as healthy eating, stopping smoking and relaxation.

Many health walk schemes have their own web page on the Walking for Health 'Walk Finder', displaying details of their walks and how to get involved.

Natural England

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.