Party was a doub

Milestone for health walks and carers’cafe

A special party was held recently to mark the first anniversary of two popular projects associated with a Crieff care home.

There was a good turnout at the town’s Royal British Legion Scotland clubrooms for the event – held on April 14 – which aimed to celebrate the continued success of the weekly health walks and carers’ cafe run by the charity Richmond Community on behalf of Richmond House.

The walks take place from 10.30am at the Legion in Perth Road every Thursday and see qualified walk leaders lead a delegation on a stroll designed to boost the health and wellbeing of all those taking part.

They are delivered in partnership with Live Active Leisure’s Stride for Life programme and Paths for All, and tie in with a carers’ cafe – which acts as an informal meeting place for unpaid carers, those being cared for and family members.

The cafe also provides support for unpaid carers from representatives of Perth and Kinross Council, PKAVS, Carers’ Voice and Richmond House itself.

Alison Kindness, chief executive of Richmond House, said the smiles on the faces of the 45 people present at the anniversary party were evidence of the day’s overall success.

She told the Herald: “We first held the walk and carers’ cafe as normal, then had some lunch and entertainment.

“Entertainment was provided by Mo Rutherford and Neil Copland from Perth.

“One of the highlights was Donald and Anne Boyd singing a duet of ‘ You Are My Sunshine’. Everyone felt they just had to join in.

“In total we have led more than 1000 walks, walked more than 1000 miles and drank at least 1000 cups of tea!”

Funding for the party was awarded by Crieff ’s Common Good Fund committee.

It is understood that, out of the 29 health walks which currently take place within the Perth and Kinross Council catchment area, the one in Crieff is the most well-attended.

Plans are in place to expand the health walks from next month.

‘Health Walks on Tour’ will start on May 5 and see walk leaders support monthly outings as an addition to the weekly walks in the Strath capital.

Destinations earmarked so far include Perth, the Kelpie sculptures near Falkirk and Dunkeld.

Alison explained that funding for the trips had been secured through a grant from the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.

More support for unpaid carers and friendship groups is also planned as the projects progress.

Highly-regarded Both the walks and the carers’ cafe have proved popular

Music Entertainment was provided by Mo Rutherford and Neil Copland

Milestone More than 1000 miles have been clocked-up

Well-attended More than 40 people were at the party

Sing-along Many of those present felt compelled to join in with the songs

Stroll in Strath One of the previous walks, which start at the Legion

Happy atmosphere There were smiles all round at the Legion

Wellbeing The walks are designed to improve people’s health

Those behind the projects have marked their first year