Residents of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough are being urged to take the first steps to getting more active.

Walking for All, a new community walking programme and major cross-border initiative, is bringing free, regular walks to rural communities across Northern Ireland and the border counties and is inviting people in the ABC area to join a local walk to celebrate National Walking Month.

National Walking Month takes place every year throughout May and encourages people to walk more as a simple, powerful way to improve their physical health, mental wellbeing, and connect with their neighbours.

The campaign reports that people who walk regularly reflect being happier and less anxious and have a stronger sense of community when walking.

ABC Council steps out for National Walking Month with free organised walks led by local Walking for All Officers. Picture: supplied by ABC Borough Council.

placeholder image — ABC Council steps out for National Walking Month with free organised walks led by local Walking for All Officers. Picture: supplied by ABC Borough Council.

Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “National Walking Month is the perfect time for everyone across the borough to take that first step to getting active and reaping the many benefits of walking.

"The Walking For All programme provides walk leader training to equip residents to set up local walking groups, build connections and get more people active. I would invite more people to get involved with the programme this May.”

Walking for All is led by Outscape and delivered across Northern Ireland in partnership with eight local councils in Northern Ireland and six Local Sports partnerships across the border counties of Ireland.

The programme aims to engage more than 14,000 people in accessible, led walking activities over three years building healthier, more connected rural communities and helping to address social isolation, inactivity and support mental health.

Gareth Moore, Head of Participation, for Outscape and Walking for All added; “We hope National Walking Month inspires people right across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon to step out and discover what Walking for All is all about.

"Walking for All walks are completely free, they happen every week in the heart of your community, and they are genuinely open to everyone, whatever your background or ability – including those walking and wheeling. We’d love to see more people join us this May.”

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Since its launch in the ABC Borough, Walking for All is already making a difference.

Ryan McQuillan, Walking for All Officer, has been working with local communities to establish free, welcoming walking groups right on people’s doorsteps, which are led by trained, walk leaders from within those communities.

Ryan is 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. Walk leader training will take place on Wednesday, May 20 at 6pm in Gilford Community Centre.

For more information contact Ryan McQuillan [email protected] or call 07500 099243.

Walking for All is led by Outscape and supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

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.