Ageing Well Walks praised for supporting older adults
The Scottish Minister for Public Health and Women's Health, Jenni Minto MSP, has praised the role of community Health Walks in supporting mental wellbeing at the Gyle Park in Edinburgh.
Article Source: Paths For All
Last Updated: 20 May 2024 11:14
Meeting with representatives from Paths for All and volunteers from Ageing Well and the Friends of Gyle Park group, the MSP took part in a Health Walk on 17 May, a walk that regularly takes place on the newly upgraded paths in the park.
Edinburgh Leisure and NHS Lothian's Ageing Well Project offers subsidised city-wide activities that encourage active living and socialisation for over 400 older adults. In 2023/24, nearly nine in 10 (87%) participants reported feeling happier after an activity.
Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women's Health, said: “It was fantastic to join this Health Walk and see first-hand how these walks have such a positive impact on your mental wellbeing.
“Access to quality green spaces is vital for our mental and physical wellbeing. These community Health Walks play a crucial role in reducing isolation, boosting mood and physical activity levels, and connecting people with nature in a supportive group setting.”
Taking place during both National Walking Month and Mental Health Awareness Week, the visit highlighted the important role walking and accessible outdoor spaces play in supporting good mental health.
Cat Wilson, Active Communities Project Officer, Edinburgh Leisure said: “Our Ageing Well programme delivered an impressive 481 walks, recording almost 6,000 visits in the last year.
“The programme aims to support older adults to be physically active every week and provides a fantastic way of meeting like-minded people in an enjoyable and safe setting.
“This in turn has positive effects on their mental health, including increased confidence and a more positive outlook and for those participants living with dementia provides a safe environment for social interaction.”
The Health Walk group make use of newly upgraded paths that have been improved by Friends of the Gyle Park. They received £87,203 towards improvements of the pathways to enhance accessibility from the Ian Findlay Path Fund (IFPF), a grant fund run by Paths for All and supported by Transport Scotland.
Kirsty Rankin, Walking for Health Manager at Paths for All, said: “Paths for All is proud to support programmes like the Ageing Well Health Walks that are reducing inequalities in access to physical activity.
“Everyday we hear stories of how going on a short walk can boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety and allow you to connect with nature and your community, and we encourage everyone to put a spring in their step this Mental Health Awareness week.”
The £1.5m Ian Findlay Path Fund (IFPF) supports the improvement of local paths within and between communities, making it easier for people to choose active travel and public transport for everyday journeys for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland.
The IFPF will re-open for new applications on the 27th May, community groups interested in applying for funding can reach out to the Ian Findlay Path Fund team at IFPF@pathforall.org.uk.
For more information about Paths for All, and to find your local Health Walk, visit: www.pathsforall.org.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.
READ MORE
King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh
King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November
This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland
Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.
READ MORE
Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant
Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom
Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation
Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.
READ MORE
18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening
Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.
READ MORE
The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025
From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.
READ MORE
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas
From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers
From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day
To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh
Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston
Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.
READ MORE
Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic
This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.
READ MORE
Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic
The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Collective announces 2026 programme
Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.
READ MORE
Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links