Walking Back To Happiness

Walking as a social activity can help tackle feelings of isolation and loneliness so setting up a community walking group is an ideal project for Ness M Care Foundation.

As a charity, we want to get people out of their homes and back into the community again. We want to increase their confidence and to give them the opportunity to make friends with those in a similar situation.

Our walking group is aimed at people living in and around Werrington, Gunthorpe, Paston and Walton in Peterborough.

It has been set up with funding from Living Sport and aims to improve the quality of life for anyone who feels socially isolated or lonely.

It’s hoped that joining the group will get people into the habit of exercising regularly.They will meet weekly, initially at Itter Park in Paston, but the location could be changed later on depending on the needs of walkers.

People of all ages, whatever their physical ability, including carers and those receiving care at home, are welcome to join our walks, starting in March, at a date to be arranged.

Individual walks can also be booked if people are reluctant to join a group.

The walking group is needed more than ever after the Covid-19 pandemic forced people to stay indoors for so long. Being outside in the fresh air has been linked to better mental wellbeing, can reduce stress and help to ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

There is a lot of evidence to show how beneficial walking is to your physical health too, particularly as you get older. It’s one of those activities that work your cardiovascular system and keep your heart, lungs and brain healthy.

It also helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke as well as strengthening your bones, helping to prevent the onset of osteoporosis.

The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can also be reduced with regular exercise.

A daily walk can help you to burn off calories and prevent weight gain too.

According to Age UK, regular activity can improve the strength and flexibility of people living with dementia and can ensure they get better sleep. Some studies suggest it may improve memory and slow down the progression of the condition. Walking is a great activity if you find exercise difficult or aren’t sure how to be more active. Even a 15 minute stroll is good for you.

If you’re at all worried about the effect it may have on your health, you can always talk to your doctor to find out if it’s safe for you.

Our community walk leaders are all volunteers who have been trained in first aid and on how to deliver a community walk so all participants are catered for.

If you are interested in joining the walking group or would like to train to become a walk leader, please email, charity@nessmfoundation.org or call 01733 570999, on weekdays between 10am and 3pm. We would be delighted if you could come and join us.