Themes:
- Community volunteering
- Health through exercise
Tower Hamlets in the East End is the most deprived borough in London, but huge efforts are being made to regenerate the area and improve the health of the population.
The Tower Hamlets Healthy Walkers project was set up in May 2003 and is funded by Tower Hamlets Council, Ocean New Deal for Communities, The Primary Care Trust and Sure Start. The project aims to improve the lives of borough residents by creating healthy walks to better their health and improve their social experiences.
Two volunteers lead each walk, carry out risk assessments for all routes and ensure the safety and welfare of the walkers. Walks are in parks, other open spaces and along canalsides.
Participants are diverse, from the oldest walker aged 89, to children who have come with their parents. Groups vary in size from 5 people, to 30 people.
Training
All volunteers have walk leader training supplied by the Walking the Way to Health Initiative, which is a national training organisation with a qualification recognised by the British Heart Foundation and the register of exercise professionals. First aid training is offered internally. Both training courses last one full day each and there is refresher training every 6 months.
Recruitment and reward
There are currently 10 (Asian, Afro-Caribbean and White) volunteers on the project aged 24- 74, and all have different levels of involvement. Some regularly lead walks, others may lead walks every couple of weeks and others are reserve leaders. Volunteers are recruited through the local Volunteer Bureau (Voluntary Action Tower Hamlets) and through advertisements in the local press, GP surgeries, sports centre and libraries. People who go on walks often ask if they can train to be a walk leader. All volunteers are paid travel expenses and the project ensures that they have regular outings and a lunch at Christmas. Volunteers also receive certificates for the amount of walks they do.
Benefits of volunteering
Walking trips benefit participants and volunteers alike. Through exercise and participation, attendees enjoy keeping fit, as well as the social interaction. Those leading enjoy the responsibility and volunteers have said that their health and self-confidence have also improved:
MAUREEN (64): “I have had improvements in mobility, mainly my legs and knees. Also weight loss and all over feeling good due to all the fresh air and meeting lots of different people.”
MARTHA (75): “The pain in my legs has eased.”
FATIMA: “The health walks is an excellent opportunity to be healthy and make new friends at the same time.”
FRANK: “The day after the walk I feel as fresh as a daisy.”
MARK: “I found the first walk tiring, but I can now walk further with no problems and feel refreshed (after a rest).”
KAREN (38): “I have stronger muscles and my mental health has improved.”
MONTROSE: “My blood pressure has been lower since I started the walks and they also help with depression.
For further information contact:
Marc Malone
Healthy Walking Project Co-ordinator
Tower Hamlets Healthy Walkers
2 nd Floor, Healthy Lifestyles
Town Hall
Mulberry Place
5 Clove Crescent
London E14 2BG
Tel: 020 7364 3196
Email: Marc.Malone@towerhamlets.gov.uk
