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
Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day
Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.
READ MORE
WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4
Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens
Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts
An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Santas little helpers, assemble
Santa Paws, in partnership with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, is calling out for the city’s dogs to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most dogs in Christmas jumpers.
READ MORE
The Entertainer opens brand new store in Edinburgh
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.
READ MORE
Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows
Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.
READ MORE
Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost
Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign and nominations are now open.
READ MORE
Volunteer Centre East Lothian reopens just in time for the season of goodwill
The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) have thrown open their doors after an extensive renovation and are welcoming back local residents, volunteers and community groups.
READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School pupils reap the benefits of outdoor learning with a newly extended playground
Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey
Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay reveals International Partnership & Artist Exchange Programme with Basque Country
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill.
READ MORE
The Main Course: Serving Up a Slice of Italy in the Heart of Gullane this Christmas
Planning a Christmas lunch with colleagues, a family gathering or a relaxed night out with friends? The Main Course offers comfort, warmth and a menu that brings people back year after year.
READ MORE
Hamish Hawk commission comes to life with Edinburgh International Book Festival first ever record release
Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces that Life in a Scotch Sitting-room, Vol. 0, a limited-edition LP by Scottish indie songwriter Hamish Hawk, will be released on 5th December.
READ MORE
SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh unveils New Years Eve event and festive offering
This festive season, SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh is elevating its celebrations with two unforgettable experiences that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.
READ MORE
Vault City launches festive, Quaffable Treats, beer box inspired by Christmas chocolate tins
An Edinburgh brewery has created the 'perfect gift' for beer lovers this Christmas, inspired by the chocolates people hunt for first in the tin.
READ MORE
Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline free weekend of celebrations with Christmas ceilidh and market
The Ross Bandstand sparked festivities on Sunday with its opening Light Night Concert, and now has a jam-packed Scottish weekend in store of free events in honour of St Andrew's Day.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Leading the charge! Edinburgh car retailer hosts electric vehicle experience
John Clark Volvo Edinburgh is celebrating after its first EV Customer Experience Evening was a success with local drivers.
READ MORE
Six of the Best: Iconic concerts that rocked Murrayfield as the famous stadium turns 100
Scottish Gas Murrayfield has hosted some of the biggest shows Scotland has ever seen – and fans have had their say on the standouts.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style
Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public!
READ MORE
Heather On The Hill Festival Announced
Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.
READ MORE
The Vittoria Group Launches Black Friday Offer
With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links