Special HeartSmart walks will celebrate 25th anniversary
A popular walking programme will be striding into its 25th anniversary with two celebratory walks and picnics that are being held this month.
Volunteer leaders of the HeartSmart walks, run by Chichester District Council's Wellbeing Team, will guide walkers through a choice of two routes of different lengths on Tuesday 16 June.
Walkers can enjoy a two-hour route through Halnaker and Tinwood Estate or another route of approximately an hour-and-a-half through Boxgrove Village Hall and Tinwood Estate. Both walks will begin and end at Boxgrove Village Hall and will conclude with a bring your own picnic and refreshments to mark the anniversary.
Councillor Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council, says: We are delighted that HeartSmart has reached this landmark celebration. For 25 years, individuals of all ages and abilities have been able to explore the wonderful countryside this district has to offer all in aid of heart health and at no cost to its users. Routes range from 30-minute walks of one mile to all day walks of 10 miles. These special events provide us with the chance to celebrate the positive social, community and health impacts HeartSmart walks have made.
Adrian adds: Not only does regular exercise have a positive impact on physical wellbeing, but it has also been shown to benefit emotional health and tackle feelings of loneliness and isolation. Walkers who are eligible for a free bus pass can even use them to reach the start point! HeartSmart walks can provide the opportunity for people to start exercising more regularly, but at a pace that suits them.
The council's HeartSmart walks have been lucky to benefit from the support of many volunteer walk leaders over the past 25 years.
Gerald has volunteered as a walk leader since 2013. He says: It is such a pleasure to lead Heartsmart walks as they help so many people. Walkers vary from those wanting to socialise and walk to those who want to be guided to a new walking route. Likewise, in 20 years of leading walks, my knowledge of the wonderful villages and beautiful countryside in West Sussex has been transformative.
Keith has been a walk leader for two years. He not only enjoys exploring the local district but also appreciates the social element that HeartSmart brings to its walkers. He says: I love it. For the leaders it's a chance to show others the flora and fauna of areas we know well, as well as some of the local history. For the walkers, they get to walk in safely, make new friends and improve both their mental and physical wellbeing. Everyone is made to feel welcome."
Keen to explore new routes, walk leader Bruce has volunteered for HeartSmart since 2013. He says: I moved to Chichester 30 years ago, and as a keen trail runner and orienteer have much enjoyed our glorious downland area. I have been more than happy to pass on my knowledge as a walk leader for the Chichester District Councils Wellbeing team. I have started from 100 different venues and completed 300+ walks. I have found our walkers a very sociable lot!
HeartSmart walks are free-of-charge but must be pre-booked. Bookings are available 14 days ahead of the event up until midnight the evening before. Comfortable and appropriate footwear and clothing is advised.
Residents can book a place on one of the 25th anniversary walks or view the full programme of HeartSmart walks by visiting www.chichester.gov.uk/heartsma..., or calling 01243 521041.
To find out more about training as a Volunteer Walk Leader, people can contact our Wellbeing Team on 01243 521041or email wellbeing@chichester.gov.uk.