This project provided the opportunity for service users to become more active, physically fit and reflect how this can improve their mental wellbeing by offering 12 weekly walking/Nordic walking sessions culminating in a residential walking challenge which included education around safety and map reading.
Supporting service users to build up their recovery and maintain their mental health by helping them reflect on the benefits of physical activity, the project encouraged progress in what they have learnt by linking into other organisations at the end of the project that could be of help.
The walking project used Pathways staff and transport and the expertise of Active for Life staff to provide the weekly walking/Nordic walking sessions. Walks progressed to become more physically demanding and service users kept a journal and were encouraged to reflect on how they felt, noting the benefits of becoming more physically active and being part of a group.
The project culminated in a residential trip at Gearstones for three days and two nights supported by Pathways, Active for life and Gearstones volunteers. Service users learned how to keep safe whilst walking in the countryside, basic first aid and how to read a map.
