Walk Moray launches new Stretch2Step initiative while health walks halted by Covid-19
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WALK Moray is urging locals to get in step with a new programme designed to gently coax people who may face health barriers to stay active at home during lockdown.
The project usually runs free low-level health walks which are short, safe, social and fun and are led by trained volunteers.
However, while the guided health walks are unavailable due to Covid-19 restrictions, its Stretch2Step programme has been launched to offer encouragement at a distance.
Participants are provided with a home support pack and optional weekly check-ins via telephone, email or other online communication.
Stretch2Step aims to provide a supportive pathway back to regular walking through gentle strength and balance and short health walk sessions.
Claire Buchanan, Walk Moray health walk co-ordinator, said: "Stretch2Step is for anyone who has been advised by a healthcare professional to increase their levels of gentle physical activity.
"It may be for people who are generally sedentary and would like to get more active, cannot comfortably walk for a period of 20 minutes, would like to use gentle physical activity to manage a long-term health condition, or simply want to get back to regular walking no matter the distance but need some support to do so.
"We want to help people gain the confidence to self-manage their own health and perhaps one day comfortably attend one of our community health walks or fulfil their own personal activity goal.
"The resources in the pack include a wrist pedometer, activity and wellness tracker, Paths for All strength and balance leaflet and list of online strength and balance resources. For those without access to the internet, a DVD of strength and balance exercises can be provided."
Walk Moray is a member of the Scottish Health Walk Network and aims to provide greater opportunities for everyone to access walking for health initiatives in the region.
Claire added: "If getting outside is not possible at this time, there is plenty to be done in the home, including short strength and balance sessions for which you just need a solid, stable chair that ideally does not have arms.
"It is recommended that activities that build strength which help keep muscles, bones and joints strong, should be done at least two days of the week. Short walks around the house can also be incorporated into daily activity.
"The weekly check-in aspect can help to encourage accountability of physical activity. Ultimately though, Stretch2Step aims to be welcoming and supportive, always working towards empowering individuals to self- manage their own health and fitness."
Stretch2Step is part funded by the charity Paths for All, the champion of everyday walking in Scotland.
Helen Wilson, from Paths for All, said: "We’re pleased to be able to support Walk Moray with this initiative to help those that are least active in their community.
"Regular use of our strengthening and balance activities can help adults stay active and independent in later life, and by offering a home support pack and weekly check-ins as part of the programme, Walk Moray are helping residents stay connected during this difficult time."
To sign up or for more information contact Claire Buchanan by email at claire.buchanan2@nhs.scot or phone 07931 228444.
