The Green Award scheme recognises and publicises the hard work of local organisations and businesses which demonstrate an active commitment to good environmental practice and promote sustainable development. By being concerned about their environmental effects, organisations can help to ensure a better quality of life for everyone, both today and in the future.
Walking, as well as being a sustainable form of transport, helps people to remain healthy or to regain fitness after illness. The social aspect of led group walks also fulfils an important function in encouraging social inclusion. Preventing physical and mental ill health is an important aspect of sustainability.
For more details of category winners and how to apply see the Green Awards pages.
Stafford Borough Volunteer Walk Leader Network
(Youth, Community and Education category)
The Stafford Borough Volunteer Walk Leaders Network received a 'Commended' prize at the 2005 Stafford Borough Council Green Awards. Geoff Mackenzie and Kate Newton (regular walk leaders from Stafford) attended the awards ceremony and collected the prize, of a framed certificate and holly tree, on behalf of the Network. Congratulations to everybody involved with helping people to stay healthy by encouraging them to walk. The voluntary service that the leaders provide is extremely valuable and has been justly recognised through this award by the Borough Council.
Over 80 Volunteer Walk Leaders have been trained by the national Walking the Way to Health Initiative locally. The volunteers have given their time freely and promote health walks tirelessly to over 500 walkers - many of whom are now walking back to health from a variety of illnesses. The group meets regularly to help plan the Borough's Walking for Health programme.
Geoff Mackenzie, Kate Newton (Volunteer Walk Leaders from Stafford) and Jane Heginbotham (WHC) receive the certificate and holly tree from the Mayor of Stafford on behalf of the Stafford Borough Volunteer Walk Leader Network.