New Prescribe A Mile initiative gets under way in Coleraine

“You don’t have to go fast or far – just start walking and let each step bring you closer to better health.”

That’s the simple idea behind a new Northern Health and Social Care Trust initiative aimed at helping patients, or anyone with an interest in boosting their wellbeing, to become more active.

Prescribe A Mile, based in Coleraine town centre, encourages participants to follow a series of walking trails ranging in distance from 500m to almost one mile.

The initiative is supported by Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and has been made possible by the generous support of Brilliant Trails, an award-winning trail design agency based in Antrim.

A booklet has also been developed, featuring a quiz for each trail based on points of interest along the way. On completion, this can be used to enjoy discounts in selected independent cafés in the town.

Explaining more, James Cannie, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Causeway Hospital, said: “I believe that simple things like a daily walk are great ways for our patients to be involved in managing their condition, and that modern medicine needs to spend a bit more time thinking about prevention rather than cure.  Going for a walk every day is perfect at combining both of these aspects.  It can boost your mood, improve your exercise capacity and reduce the chance of being re-admitted again in the future.  Living with a respiratory or cardiovascular condition can be difficult, but it shouldn’t mean that our patients are confined to their homes.”

“The idea about creating manageable walking trails within the town followed on from a chance encounter with Allan Hamilton from Brilliant Trails, and we’re really pleased with what we have come up with together.

“Allan’s mother had lung disease, and she used an oxygen supply, so he had a personal understanding of the challenges involved. His input has been invaluable, and it’s been really encouraging for us to see our idea come to fruition, one step at a time.”

One of those who has already tried out the trails for himself is Brian from Ballycastle. He lives with ILD (interstitial lung disease), which causes scarring of the lungs, making it harder for him to breath and take in oxygen. Brian said: “I have really enjoyed getting involved with Prescribe a Mile, and trying out the walks from the Town Hall. I take my oxygen tank with me and I already feel stronger and more confident about what I can achieve.

“I enjoy getting outdoors, meeting people and having a chat along the way. If I can do it, anyone can so please get out and give it a go!”

The Prescribe A Mile walks all begin from the Town Hall, starting off with a 500m ‘Breathe Easy Trail’ to ease participants into activity.

Once this has been mastered, the ‘Steady Steps Trail’ covers 1000m with the focus on developing a slow and steady consistent pace. The final trail is the ‘Pause and Stroll’ 1500m option, which is all about moving at your own pace, and taking moments to rest where required.

James added: “By creating short and easy to follow trails, we hope to make the prospect of going for a walk more achievable for those who may find it daunting. Movement can be a powerful medicine and whether you’re recovering from a hospital admission, living with a chronic illness or just want to get a bit fitter, these trails will help to get you started by giving you the motivation and support that you need.

“We’re very grateful to Allan and all at the team at Brilliant Trails, as well as Lost & Found, Fidela, Considered Co and Bob & Berts in Coleraine, who very kindly agreed to offer a 10% discount on their hot drinks as part of the scheme. By working in partnership like this, we can make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of those in our local communities.”

Darren French, Interim Head of Service Cardiac at Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, said: "We are delighted to support this initiative and have enjoyed working with Dr Cannie on this project.

“If you are living with a respiratory condition, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke is here to help you with whatever challenges you may be facing. Whether it is providing information and advice on your condition to relieve worry and confusion or helping you to connect with others in similar situations, we are here to help you get back on your feet.

"The help our Care Services Team provides is extensive and includes a Family Support service, our Breathing Better education programme, wellness sessions, our Inspire Choir, our Taking Control Self Management Programme, and support for carers. Our team works throughout Northern Ireland with people of all ages affected by respiratory conditions. We are dedicated to supporting people in adjusting to life with a respiratory condition, helping them to enjoy life to the full, re-engage with hobbies, and improve their confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing.”