Free community wellbeing walk to boost the body and mind
A FREE community wellbeing walk aimed at boosting both the body and mind is set to take place
next month, and everyone is invited to take part.
Durham County Council is appealing to residents to take part in the Big Walk event at Riverside
Park in Chester-le-Street, organised by the authority’s Wellbeing, Sport and Leisure Team. The event
is set to take place on Thursday 17 July at 10.30am and is a special addition to the regular
programme of community wellbeing walks, consisting of a 90-minute route through parkland.
Participants can then relax and connect with others during an optional bring-your-own picnic after
the walk. Anyone interested in the walk can book by visiting http://events.durham.gov.uk/Move .
Those who feel they can’t take part in the full 90-minute walk can still join in through the Gentle
Steps session on the flat, accessible, and safe, running track for a shorter, more relaxed stroll in a
supportive environment. Regular Wellbeing Walks take place across the county, which are
coordinated by the council’s trained walk leaders and volunteers. They are suitable for most abilities
and can last between 60 and 90 minutes.
Part of a programme of Move activities and sessions offered by the council, they are designed to
get everyone moving in their everyday life. The Big Walk is also part of thrive’s ‘Together We Move’
campaign this summer, which includes Start Me Up sessions for the Durham City Run Festival. These
are led by trained run leaders and are ideal for anyone feeling a bit unsure about taking part in the
5k or 10k races.
Cllr Howard Brown, Cabinet member for adult and health services at Durham County Council, said:
“These Wellbeing Walks are a perfect opportunity for people in the county to take a break from their
busy lives and connect with our gorgeous countryside.
“Not only does walking provide a myriad of physical health benefits which are widely reported on,
but it also boosts people’s mental health as well. I can think of few better ways to relax after a
stressful week than getting out into nature.
“We’d like to invite anyone who is able, to take part in the Big Walk through the gorgeous
parkland, and if that’s not your speed, then please join our Gentle Steps session.”
