There are now over 300 Health Walk projects who are members of OUR Scottish Health Walk Network, delivering a range of Health Walks across the country each week.
Each project is different, but all members share the common goal of creating a happier, healthier Scotland by supporting people to walk more. Our membership network provides the best support to Health Walk projects and ensures all walks are safe, welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Each year, we bring together members of our Scottish Health Walk Network (SHWN) to share best practice, ideas and learning.
Last month, the 2021 conference was held virtually over two days when members heard informative and thought-provoking keynote presentations and were treated to workshops covering messaging, lessons learned from lockdown and active breaks.
The first keynote was delivered by Professor Nanette Mutrie MBE, Chairperson in Physical Activity for Health at the University of Edinburgh. Nanette spoke about promoting physical activity through Health Walks, stressing the importance of strength and balance exercises to reach the Chief Medical Officers Physical Activity guidelines.
Our second keynote came from wheelchair basketball player and coach Gemma Lumsdaine to explore the impact and importance of inclusive and accessible group physical activity.
Gemma told the conference: “Whatever you do, whether that's going for a walk or playing sport, you'll get the benefits of being around people, setting goals for yourself and building confidence. Physical activity and being outdoors is super powerful."
To find out more about the Scottish Health Walk Network, click here.