Walk Leaders from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire were honoured at a celebratory event for National Walking Month.
Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council came together to host the Walk Leader Celebration Event on Friday 30th May, which saw over 80 walk leaders in attendance.
The event, held at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club, brought walk leaders together from across the counties to learn from each other and share experiences about why they took on their crucial roles.
Speaking about the event, Stephen Brewster of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “The walk leaders are doing some truly amazing things for the benefit of communities across our counties.
“The physical health benefits of walking are so impactful, but also the social and wellbeing benefits of these walks are also so important. “Being able to attend with our team, and our collaborative partners from the public health teams to celebrate this day was truly very special.”
Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire County Council, said: “I’m so thankful to every one of our walk leaders for the time and energy they give so generously. These walks may seem simple, but they can be life-changing, they help people to stay active, feel connected, and improve their mental wellbeing. Our walk leaders are the heart of this programme, and we simply couldn’t do it without them.”
The event also included a Health Walk along the River Severn, looping back to the cricket club.
Walk leaders are volunteers, offering their time as part of Worcestershire County Council’s Health Walks scheme. To find out more: Worcestershire Health walks | Worcestershire County Council
Pictured Left to Right: Philippa Ellis, Talk Community Health and Wellbeing Manager, Stephen Brewster, Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health Worcestershire County Council