20 November 2008Local walkers wanting to put a spring in their step as winter comes to an end should look no further than the newly accredited health walks in the District.
The four walks, all co-ordinated by Sevenoaks District Council, have recently been awarded ‘Walking the Way to Health’ accreditation, which means they have met the criteria of offering led walks for beginners (these need to be reasonably flat, with no stiles and last under one hour) and meeting safety and insurance standards for all walks.
The health walks are led by trained volunteer walk leaders and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace. They are suitable for all abilities, and newcomers are always made to feel welcome. The walks take place across the District:
The Council also offers free walk leader training courses, to allow residents to set up their own health walks in their local community.
Cllr Felicity Broomby, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for healthy living, says: “These health walks are perfect for anyone who wants to get a little fitter or meet new people. As a Council we are always looking to establish new health walks, so if you enjoying walking and would like to help others in the community, why not attend a free training course to become a trained volunteer walk leader?”
Health Walks are offered as a healthy lifestyle initiative co-ordinated by Sevenoaks District Council in partnership with Sencio Community Leisure and funded by West Kent Primary Care Trust as part of the Choosing Health agenda which aims to make healthy choices easier.
For more information about the health walks or attending a free walk leader course visit the health walks section of the Council website, or contact Layla Powell by calling 01732 227121 or e-mailing healthyliving@sevenoaks.gov.uk.
