Londoners Get Walking with the Ramblers
[15 January 2007]
South Londoners have a great opportunity to take the first step towards a
healthier 2007 when the
Get Walking Keep Walking project launches in Peckham this month.
Leading the project is Britain’s biggest walking charity, the Ramblers'
Association, as part of its work to get as many people as possible out walking,
including people in urban areas who currently aren’t getting enough exercise.
The new walking programme is open to everyone and aims to help people build
easy, local walking into their everyday lives. Walking is a great way to reduce
stress and an ideal pick-me-up if you want to kick-start a healthier lifestyle
for the New Year.
The project is supported by celebrities who've shared their favourite walks with
us.
Presenter and actress Floella Benjamin says: “My favourite place to walk in London is along the Embankment from
Westminster to the Tower of London, because I discover the old and the new
London. Keep fit and feel proud of this great city!”
Actress Patsy Palmer says: "My favourite London walk is on Hampstead Heath with
my kids. Keep on walking!"
Comedy actress June Whitfield has also lent her support, saying: “Wimbledon
Common is a great place for a walk, but so is walking around the shops – even if
it’s window shopping!”
The programme in Peckham runs every Saturday for five weeks from 11.30am –
1.00pm, starting Saturday 27th January at Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre,
10 Melon Road, Peckham, London SE15 5QN, with a Welcome to Walking session,
including tips and advice on getting the most out of walking.
The programme offers short local walks at an easy pace and one-to-one advice
from trained volunteer Walking Ambassadors. There’ll be information about local
places to walk, a free step counter, follow-up support to keep you walking and
discounted membership to Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre (for new members
only).
Project organiser Louise Hillyer said: “Walking is one of the easiest ways to
get fit and combat stress – it’s free, fun, sociable and anyone can do it! You
don’t need to go out into the countryside to walk: even in Peckham there are
some great green spaces and historic streets to enjoy. Walking is also a free
means of transport so you can easily reap the benefits while you go about your
everyday life.”
To reserve a place please contact Louise Hillyer at The Ramblers’ Association on
020 7339 8586 /
louiseh@ramblers.org.uk.
The RA is also keen to recruit more Walking Ambassadors. Full training is given.
For details contact Sarah Clements on 020 7339 8541 or
sarahc@ramblers.org.uk