Positive Steps Kemnay (PSK), a community walking group based in the village of Kemnay, Aberdeenshire, partnered with our Strength and Balance team to install eight activity posts, strategically placed in Kemnay's Village Green. The installation is the first in Aberdeenshire and complements projects completed earlier in the year at Perth Royal Infirmary and in two care homes in Glasgow.
Over 30 representatives from PSK, partners of the community group and our Strength and Balance team joined members of the local community to celebrate the official opening at Kemnay Village Green. The celebration followed a morning Strength and Balance session delivered at Kemnay Village Hall. Four event attendees were over 90 years in age, demonstrating that the benefits of physical activity can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age.
Formed in 2014, Positive Steps Kemnay - a proactive member of our Scottish Health Walk Network (SHWN) - recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. The group’s programme of inclusive Health Walks offers over 50 returning participants an opportunity to enjoy regular, safe and accessible local walks. Those in the group include individuals living with or affected by dementia and cancer diagnoses, long term health conditions, limited mobility and parents. The group also operates a “ladder” system, enabling participants to move from one walking group to another depending on recovery, overall health, progression in confidence and ability in movement.
Local councillor Hazel Smith joined the celebrations, with attendees led to the village green by piper John Wallace and 93-year-old Colleen Pirie, both regular participants of the Positive Steps Kemnay Health Walk group.
Rob Mackay, Coordinator of Positive Steps Kemnay said:
Our interest in the Strength and Balance posts was sparked when Hilda Hart attended the Paths for All conference in 2022 and we could see the potential of having these posts installed in our Village Green. A popular spot for villagers including a Happy to Chat bench.
We are delighted now that the eight posts have been installed and look both splendid and inviting. These posts are available not only to members of Positive Steps Kemnay but also to the wider community, across all age groups. We can already see these posts being used and this will only add to the health and wellbeing benefits for all of us.
Coordinator Hilda Hart delivered remarks on behalf of the organisation. The ribbon-cutting honours were performed by group member Kathleen Wilson. Kathleen, who has been part of the walking group since 2018, embodies the value and positive impact of the Strength and Balance programme and owes her health, strength and enjoyment to regular participation in activities delivered by Positive Steps Kemnay.
She said,
I was diagnosed with a long-term medical condition ten years ago; I didn’t think I would make it to 83. Coming to Strength and Balance classes and the Health Walks has helped me recover and keep my health.
The posts are fantastic. Anyone can use them, you don’t need to come to Positive Steps Kemnay, the community here can use them all the time, they’re so accessible.
The installation marks the culmination of an 18-month journey by Positive Steps Kemnay, who were awarded Health Walk Group of the Year at our annual Volunteer Awards in 2022. The group identified the need for outdoor Strength and Balance equipment to complement its existing Health Walks and indoor physical activity programmes.
Our Strength and Balance programme combines a range of simple standing and seated activity to help adults maintain mobility, stability and confidence in movement. The versatility of the Strength and Balance programmes allows these activities to stand in isolation as dedicated sessions or be integrated into Health Walks.
Rob McKay added:
Many thanks to all the agencies that have supported us, including the team at Paths for All, and our funders including Aberdeenshire Council, the Monymusk Thrift Shop and the Kemnay Co-op Local Community Fund.
Hazel Smith, local Kemnay councillor who also lives within the village, said:
This is a wonderful addition to our community green space. It is fantastic that residents will now have access to this strength and balance equipment to help them stay active and independent.
Zoë Niven, manager of our Training and Strength and Balance programmes said,
It’s heartwarming to see the real benefit this new installation is offering people in the local community. Even before the official community launch event, it was generating curiosity and being used by local people during their walks through the Green, due to its location on a main path.
Together with our previous projects, this new installation demonstrates the potential for people to benefit from Strength and Balance in urban settings and in rural communities. It’s offering a valuable chance for local people to get active and boost their wellbeing in a way that is comfortable and accessible for their needs.
The sense of pride and dedication of the group and participants to support the community could be seen in everyone during the event. Positive Steps Kemnay are supporting local people to live more fulfilling lives, in better health
Find out more about Positive Steps Kemnay or contact the group here.
Explore our Strength and Balance programme here.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Scottish Health Walk Network, contact our dedicated team at SHWN@pathsforall.org.uk.