Mayor joins Walking Group to support Walking for All initiative

Community-led programme brings local people together to boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has joined participants at the weekly walking group at Melvin Sports Complex in Strabane as part of the newly launched Walking for All initiative. The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The weekly walks are among a growing number of community-based walking opportunities being developed across the Council area through the PEACEPLUS-supported programme, which officially launched earlier this year.

Led locally by Walking for All Officer Catherine Pollock, the initiative aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take part in regular, social walking activities that support physical health, mental wellbeing and community connection.

Praising the group for their effort, Mayor McHugh said, “It was fantastic to join the group in Strabane and see first-hand the positive impact this initiative is already having within the community.

“Walking for All is about much more than exercise - it’s about bringing people together, reducing isolation and creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels included and supported.

“The walks at Melvin Sports Complex, as well as the other groups taking place across the district, are a great example of how simple local activities can make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing, and I would encourage anyone interested to come along and get involved.”

The weekly walks are free to attend, require no specialised equipment, and are currently being rolled out across five regional hubs:

Glenelly Walking Group (Plumbridge): Tuesdays at 9.30am at the Allotment Car Park.
Melvin Sports Complex (Strabane): Tuesdays at 12.00pm at the Sports Complex.
Mum’s Walk (Castlederg): Thursdays at 10.00am at St Patrick’s Chapel Carpark.
Claudy Morning Walkers: Thursdays at 10.30am at Cumber House.
Strathfoyle Community Walk: Fridays at 11.00am (launching 5th June) at the Strathfoyle Community Association.

Catherine is also currently offering free Walk Leader training for anyone interested in making a difference in their community by helping others to get active. Walk Leaders receive full support and training, and no previous experience is required.

To search for a walk, register for the programme or find out how to become a Walk Leader, visit www.walkingforall.com

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.