An evaluation of the Walking for Wellness project and the befriender role

Walking for Health is a national programme of volunteer-led health walks, coordinated through Natural England and endorsed by the NHS as a means of promoting physical activity in the sedentary population. Walking for Wellness is a pilot project that has sought to widen access to Walking for Health in Northumberland and to pilot a new befriender role supporting the engagement of people with mental health needs in health walks. The pilot project, which started in April 2010, has been delivered by North Country Leisure and Blyth Valley Arts and Leisure, in partnership with Natural England. Northumberland County Council provided funding through the Communities for Health programme. The report presents findings from an evaluation of the Walking for Wellness project, conducted by Centre for Health Promotion Research, Leeds Metropolitan University. It presents evidence about engagement in walking groups and the social and health outcomes that can result from participation.

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