Get active, Get walking
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL WALKS LIST
Become a walks hero
We are looking for motivated individuals in the Birmingham area to become voluntary walk leaders.
Our walk leaders only need to dedicate an hour each week to lead the walk, making our walkers feel comfortable and safe. Its a great way to make new friends and get out and about. You will be provided with all the training you need so you can take the walk, which is great experience.
If there are no walks in your area we may even be able to set one up. For more information email catherine.fletcher@healthexchange.org.uk, or call Health Exchange on 0121 663 0007 and ask for Catherine Fletcher.
Alternatively, if you and a group of friends are already engaging in a walk, we can provide you with training and ideas to keep motivated. You can still keep your walk closed, just for you, but we can help you track progress.
Our walks
What is the service?
Our ‘Get Active, Get Walking’ programme encourages you to participate in low intensity exercise by participating in our Health walks.
What does the service do?
Everyone can take part in our free group health walks. The walks run on a weekly basis, Monday to Friday, across the Heart of Birmingham area, led by trained Walk Leaders, from designated sites, at fixed days and times. The walks average 2km and vary between 30 and 40 minutes. Our walks service is accredited by a National Scheme and, to ensure safety, all routes are mapped and risk assessed.
How can it help?
Our service encourages communities to increase their physical activity levels in order to reduce the risk to their health, along with making a positive change to their life styles. The benefits of being active have long been established by medical professionals. By walking, you can reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke, reduce risk of type 2 Diabetes and help those with Diabetes keep it under control. The service supports you in a motivational group setting to encourage continued walking. It can also improve your mental well being and encourage social interaction within the community.
Who is it for?
The service is for everyone, regardless of ability and age. (16yrs and under must be accompanied by a guardian) The walks are all on paths and pavements providing accessibility to wheel chair users. Some of the walks may have a slight incline or decline.
Where are they located?
The health walks are located across the Heart of Birmingham area. The start and finish points are from GP surgeries, community sites and parks, and are supervised by a designated Walk Leader.
For a full list of our health walks click here or contact the Health Exchange Team on Free phone 0800 158 3535. There is no need to book, or be referred, just come along on the day. The Walk Leader leading the walk will be at the start point of the walk 15 minutes before the walk begins.
Case Study
Naranjan Singh Reel 84yrs and Gurbax Singh Matharu 64yrs are inseparable while on their 30 minute group health walk, every Friday 10.30am, from their care home, Kalyan-Ashram. Mr Reel leads and Mr Matharu walks along side him. Both understand each others needs and watch for each other crossing the roads.
Although both are grateful for the health benefits associated with walking, the social wellbeing advantages are the most positive result. Before taking up the walks Mr Matharu was suffering with feelings of isolation and loneliness. The prospect of the walk made him feel ‘excited and happy’ and allowed him to intergrate with other residents.
Both are keen and eager to begin their walk, often arriving before the walk leader, who is always encouraging. For Mr Reel, who suffers from Asthma, the low impact cardio activity has helped to improve his condition and health in general. He too loves walking and was happy that a group walk was set up from his home, so others could share in his enjoyment.
Walking is a great way to enjoy your surroundings and to participate in light exercise for free. Both walkers would encourage others to join the walk, offering to look after them through the duration and reinstated that ‘walking is good for your health’.
