People across Scotland are being invited to step out for a 30-minute walk or wheel on Wednesday 30 September at 10.30am.
For 30 years, Walking Scotland has championed the benefits of walking and wheeling. As the charity marks its 30th anniversary, it is encouraging people across Scotland to experience those benefits for themselves.
Alana Genge, Walking Scotland, said,
Walking and wheeling help us improve our physical, mental and social health. They create more connected communities and reduce congestion and air pollution. For many of us, they also offer freedom, independence and affordable ways to get around.
The Big Walking Break is the chance for everyone to step away from their desks, screens and busy lives and see how a 30 minute walk or wheel can transform their world.
Workplaces, schools, communities, and individuals are all planning to get involved.
Einir Jones, Principal Teacher Support for Learning at Greenfaulds High in Cumbernauld, says that the school is taking part so that both pupils and staff can experience the boost of a 30 minute walk or wheel.
We’re all excited to be joining the Big Walking Break. We've been working closely with Walking Scotland for the past 2 years and have seen the impact that regular walking has on our young people's health, concentration in the classroom, and social skills. Pupils have been training as Walk Leaders, so this 30 minute break is the perfect opportunity for them to put their new skills into practise and encourage others to get involved.
Tracy Scott, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Staff Wellbeing Lead, said,
NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff have enjoyed participating in many different step challenges over the years. To celebrate 30 years of Walking Scotland, we want to encourage all staff to step outside and enjoy a walk on 30 September, taking time to be active, support their wellbeing, and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors.
Emily Tweed, NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Consultant, added,
Being active and spending time outdoors are simple yet powerful ways to support both our physical and mental wellbeing.
That's why the NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Healthy Places team want to encourage staff to take part in the Big Walking Break. Whether it's walking to and from work, holding a walking meeting, or enjoying a stroll around the grounds with colleagues at lunchtime, every step counts. Taking time to get outside, move more, and connect with others can help us feel refreshed, re-energised, and ready for the rest of the day.
The charity has created free resource packs to help individuals, workplaces and schools get involved. Sign up for the Big Walking Break and find free resources at walkingscotland.org.uk
About Walking Scotland
Walking Scotland is a charity that helps make walking and wheeling a part of everyday life. We promote the benefits of walking and wheeling on our physical, social and mental health. Our programmes connect communities and inspire positive behaviour change. We also improve places and spaces to walk and wheel.
We’re an advocate for making walking and wheeling inclusive. We work with partners and local communities to reduce barriers. This ensures everyone has the chance to walk or wheel everywhere they go. By focusing on walking and wheeling, we’re helping to solve some of Scotland's biggest challenges, from health inequalities to the climate-nature emergency.
We use the words walking and wheeling to represent the action of moving at a pedestrian’s pace, whether or not someone is unaided or using any kind of wheeled mobility aid. This includes wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking frames, prams or buggies.
To find out more, visit walkingscotland.org.uk
