Ramblers Walking for Health receives Sport England funding

The Ramblers Walking for Health programme is delighted to have received £185,000 National Lottery funding from Sport England.

Ramblers Walking for Health is England's largest network of health walk schemes, helping 70,000 people from a wide variety of backgrounds to enjoy a more active lifestyle, and new friendships, by taking part in short walks led by trained leaders.

Its funding from Sport England will run for 12 months until 30 September 2021, following on from current Sport England support. This will enable Ramblers Walking for Health to continue to support 370 local health walk schemes transition into a sustainable partnership approach – including providing training for walk leaders – and developing new schemes across the country. It will also help the programme respond even more closely to the needs of its walkers; to improve data and digital infrastructure, and to explore sustainable delivery models with partners, as well as increasing funded partnership opportunities.

Ramblers Walking for Health walks are open to everyone, but they are especially aimed at people who want to be more active – maybe they haven't done any exercise before; are disabled or are recovering from or living with health conditions. Founded over 20 years ago, Ramblers Walking for Health now provides 1,800 walks every week, supported by local organisations. Many walkers start walking to improve their health but find it easy to keep coming back because of all the new friends they've made. Some also go on to take part in longer or more challenging walks organised by their local Ramblers group.

Rachael Bayley, Director of Operations and Volunteering for the Ramblers said:

"We welcome the continued support from Sport England, which allows us to grow the partnership between both organisations, to support local schemes and, most importantly, to keep people walking. This funding enables the Ramblers Walking for Health team to continue building long term sustainability and growth of health walks across England: something we all want to see, as they are needed now more than ever to support people into being active. We are really grateful for the time that local schemes have put into speaking with the Ramblers Walking for Health team, to discuss the future and share ideas. Thank you for everyone's work towards more people walking and being active."

(Source & image: Ramblers)