'Walking for All' initiative to run in Causeway Coast & Glens area

The Causeway Coast & Glens area is to be part of a new campaign aimed at getting 14,000 people from rural and border communities outside walking.

‘Walking for All’ is a major cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by Outscape.

placeholder image — Brand new €7.5 million Walking for All project launches to Inspire Health, Inclusion and Community. Joining the launch are (L-R) Grace K McMullan, Programme Partner Manager, Colleen Martin, Walking for All Officer, Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Dawson Stelfox, Chair of Outscape and the first Irish person to summit Mount Everest, and Gareth Moore, Head of Participation, Outscape. CREDIT CCGBC

Designed to improve health and well-being in rural communities by making walking more accessible, enjoyable, and social for everyone to explore and participate in, Walking for All, will deliver short, regular walks in local community spaces.

The programme is open to adults, regardless of age, background, or ability. By fostering a focus on connection, inclusion, and well-being, Walking for All will seek to build sustainable, healthy communities and address issues such as social isolation, wellbeing and inactivity.

The programme is being delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 partner organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including eight local authorities including Causeway Coast and Glens Council, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and six local sports partnerships.

Locally this project is being led by Colleen Martin, the recently appointed Walking for All Officer for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, who will support the development of these walking groups across the Borough, working closely with local communities.

Walking for All is a key priority for both governments across the island, supporting public health, community wellbeing, and preventative action.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, commented: "I’m very pleased to welcome the launch of the Walking for All programme across Causeway Coast and Glens. Initiatives like this, which encourage people to come together, enjoy our beautiful countryside, and improve their health and wellbeing, which is extremely important.

“Walking for All will help build stronger, more inclusive communities by giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to be active, make new connections, and share in the beauty of where we live.

“I look forward to engaging with local groups and residents to make this initiative a great success in our Council area.”

Visit www.walkingforall.com for more information on becoming a Walk Leader or to find local walks.