Lochaber Hope moves towards Covid recovery

A local charity has been putting its best foot forward this week to counteract the effects of Covid within the community.

Lochaber Hope volunteers have been supporting people online throughout the pandemic and now want to help the transition by taking advantage of living in the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

To do this, the group has launched a new initiative called Hope Walks which focuses on creating activities that are safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Lochaber Hope manager Vicky Kelly told the Lochaber Times: ‘For many people, the last 12 months have been exceptionally hard as, among other things, they have faced reduced physical activity and increased loneliness and anxiety. Our Volunteer Walk Leaders have all been trained by Paths For All and Think Health Think Nature to create safe walks that are suitable for everyone. Walking is an excellent form of exercise and short group walks have massive social, physical and mental health benefits. A regular, brisk walk can, among other things, strength muscles, improve balance and reduce risk of some serious health conditions, depression, stress and anxiety.’

The walks will be low level and suitable for all grades of fitness, while a Fort William Town Walk is also accessible

Volunteer leaders took part in a test walk last week.

with buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

‘As restrictions allow, our aim is that future walks will end at a café for participants to enjoy post walk refreshments and chat and support our local businesses recovery too,’ added Vicky.

Hope Walks begin this week and take place on Thursdays from 9am to 10am; Thursdays 6pm to 7pm and Fridays from 10am to 11am. More will be added to the group’s Facebook page and website lochaberhope.co.uk when they are organised.

So far there has been a great response from people wishing to take up Walk Leader training with further sessions planned. A volunteer based in Oban has also expressed an interest in starting walks there.

The group would also love to hear from anyone who can spare two hours per week to help them support their community Covid recovery.

Walk numbers are currently limited to a maximum of 15 so to ensure safety for everyone, participants are being asked to pre-book a space by emailing Hannah.Newton@ Lochaberhope.org.uk or calling 01397 704836.