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Press Release

Link: Walking for Health

Stafford Borough Council has recently appointed Kim Squires to the post of Walking for Health Co-ordinator.

Kim is looking forward to the challenges and fun of her new job and is keen to encourage the people of Stafford and the surrounding areas to join her and other Walk Leaders in short energising walks. Almost everyone can benefit from regular walking - but our programme is especially aimed at helping people with particular needs. Maybe they are recovering from ill health, perhaps they aren't able to undertake other more strenuous activity - we will support people to take the first step - at their own pace - to get out and walk. 

Walking is an easy and cheap form of exercise that is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels and you can do it at anytime or anywhere. It's a great way to improve or maintain your general health and will also strengthen your heart. In fact regular walking reduces the risk of heart problems by a half and the risk of a stroke by a third. It also provides mental health benefits by bringing you closer to nature to take you away from the stresses of every day life.

There are a number of led Health Walks throughout Stafford Borough, including Stafford Town Centre, Wildwood, Stone, Hixon and Gnosall.  All the weekday and weekend walks, with times and meeting places, are listed in the FREE 'Walkwise' pamphlet available from the Civic Centre, Stafford's Tourist Information Centre in Market Street and all local libraries. Details can also be found on www.staffordbc.gov.uk/la21.

The walks are led by friendly and welcoming trained volunteers who help everyone walk at a pace that is right for them. There is always a great social atmosphere on the walks and many walkers make new friends as well as enjoying the benefits of exercise.

As well as supporting existing led Health Walk programmes, Kim will be helping set up new Health Walks in neighbourhoods, villages and towns across the Borough; she will be training new Volunteer Walk Leaders and working with health professionals to promote the health benefits of walking - not to mention the benefits to our environment too.

To find out more about the Walking for Health programme or, or to join us as we exercise in 'nature's free gym' please contact Kim Squires, Walking for Health Co-ordinator, Sustainable and Healthy Communities Team, SBC, tel 01785 619686 or visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/la21