Paths for All launch online health walk map

Navigate your way to better health!

We’re delighted to launch the country’s first online map showing hundreds of organised health walks in every corner of Scotland.

The new online resource shows when and where local walks are taking place as well as information about how to join them.

Over 670 walks have been registered nationally so far, from Lerwick to Dumfries and Galloway, and we are now encouraging the public to get online and join their nearest Health Walk to improve their health.

The walking map aims to make it easier for people to become more active while meeting new people in their local community. The walks are free, low-level and last around 30 minutes.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “Regular walking is such a powerful tool that can do wonders for your social, mental and physical health and we hope that this new map will make it easier for people to get involved in Health Walks. 

“People are often surprised by how a simple, weekly walk can become such a big part of their lives. We see people build strong friendships on Health Walks and discover little bits about the local history and wildlife of the places where they live that can give them a whole new meaning and stronger sense of community.”
The volunteers who lead the walks have been trained, know the most accessible routes for people of varied abilities and ensure a warm welcome to new walkers.

There are also specialised walks, especially for people with dementia and those who have been affected by cancer.

Ian added: “There’s room for everyone on our Health Walks and we encourage you all to have a look at what’s taking place in your local area and join in.

“We expect this fantastic tool to be a big success and look forward to seeing more routes and organised walks being added to the map over time as the walking community across Scotland grows.”

The Health Walk map can be accessed at: www.pathsforall.org.uk/healthwalkfinder
 

Rugby star issues health warning ahead of World Cup

  • The upcoming 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan is a once in a lifetime event with over 1.8 million fans expected to attend
  • Most fans will not be aware of deadly conditions such as Japanese Encephalitis, Tick Borne Encephalitis and Rabies Enchephalitis which occur across south-east Asia and the Pacific Islands.
  • Rugby legend, John Bentley is supporting a campaign encouraging fans to be fully prepared in plenty of time before the games

With a month to go until the Japanese Rugby World Cup 2019, both fans and players will be in full preparation mode, with the event expected to attract the largest ever number of foreign fans. More than 600,000 of the 1.8 million available tickets expected to be held by international fans making the journey to Japan. Continue reading Rugby star issues health warning ahead of World Cup

Concern over alcohol and drug treatment waiting times

Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, Miles Briggs, has raised concerns about waiting times for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADPs) in Lothian, with patients waiting for alcohol and drug treatments having to wait longer than anywhere else in Scotland. Continue reading Concern over alcohol and drug treatment waiting times

Heart Research UK grant to develop Scottish players for the World Dwarf Games

The Scottish region of the Dwarf Sports Association (DSA) has been awarded a £5,000 grant from Heart Research UK to provide a variety of sporting activities across Scotland for children and adults with dwarfism. Continue reading Heart Research UK grant to develop Scottish players for the World Dwarf Games

‘From fields to fork’: Public to have their say on the food system of the future

British shoppers will be able to buy environmentally friendly, healthy and affordable food under plans for a radical shake-up of the UK’s food industry.

As one of the first steps, the UK Government has launched a call for evidence, giving everyone from consumers, farmers and food producers, to scientists and academics, an opportunity to shape how we produce, sell and consume food in the UK. Continue reading ‘From fields to fork’: Public to have their say on the food system of the future