Leaders are wanted for walking groups

WEST Berkshire Council has organised 12 outdoor walking groups to encourage physical activity through the pandemic recovery period and is looking for volunteers to lead them.

Walking for Health (WfH) is a national scheme, and the council is looking to expand it locally.

Training and equipment costs will be covered by the council, with volunteers merely expected to provide their time.

Promoting the push, a spokesperson said: “Walking is not only good exercise, it helps to combat loneliness and isolation – so it’s good for everyone’s physical health, and their mental health as well.

“We want to expand the programme and need more walk leaders to help us make this happen.

“If you like the outdoors and would like to help others enjoy it too, please get in touch.”

The Mortimer WfH group is led by the council’s deputy leader Graham Bridgman (Con, Burghfield and Mortimer).

Mr Bridgman said: “Our group is a mixed bag of personalities and fitness levels, so we have three different levels of walk, plus a host of different routes, to accommodate everyone.

“We all look forward to our walk and a coffee and chat at the end of it.

“Walking for Health is great for both your physical and mental wellbeing.

“We’re so lucky to have beautiful countryside all around us in West Berkshire and our walks take us down tracks and paths that many might miss, giving us the chance to take in the lovely views.

“We also get a chance to catch up with each other and talk about all sorts of things as we stroll.”

To learn more about the WfH scheme, visit bit.ly/3iZfBhE

All enquiries about volunteering to lead a local group should be made via walking@ westberks.gov.uk