VOLUNTEERS of a Lanarkshire walking group have been recognised for their commitment to improving the health of their local community and going the extra mile for 20 years.
The Chatelherault Health Walk leaders have been recognised as the winner of Ian Findlay Outstanding Achievement Award at Scotland’s national walking charity, Paths for All’s Volunteer Awards 2022.
The group was first established in 2002 and some of the original volunteers still lead the local weekly walk for over 30 people.
Paula Hubens, Get Walking Lanarkshire Project Co-ordinator, said: “The 7-strong group of volunteers are incredibly enthusiast and committed to the Health Walks. We are so grateful to them.
“The Walk Leaders are very flexible and accommodate people of all fitness levels and abilities ensuring that everyone can be included and encouraged to participate in physical activity and socialising.
“During the pandemic the group kept in touch by phone and when restrictions eased Walk Leaders were keen to start again as soon as possible, being very aware that a lot of their walkers had been deprived of face-to-face social contact for many months.
“The Walk Leaders work very well together and complement each other perfectly. Each of them bringing something different to the group. It is a dream team.”
The Ian Findlay Outstanding Volunteer Award was created in honour of Paths for All’s long-standing Chief Officer Ian Findlay who passed away in March 2021. A committed volunteer himself he was also an advocate for volunteers to be recognised, thanked and celebrated.
Muriel Jaap, Walk Leader at Chatelherault, said: “This award comes at a really special time as the group is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
“There are Seven Walk Leaders who plan the routes to suit all fitness levels and abilities and the volunteers take turns leading the walks. It is the group’s aim to make the walks interesting and enjoyable for the 25 to 30 people who regularly attend.
“A strong community bond has been created through walking, even if it is just for an hour each week it really gives people a sense of belonging.”
The Aberdeenshire group was commended at Paths for All’s prestigious annual awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on 28 September.
Hosted by BBC Scotland’s Fiona Stalker and sponsored by Paul MacLennan MSP, the event recognised 11 groups and individuals throughout Scotland who have gone the extra mile to keep their communities active.
Public Health Minister, Maree Todd has championed the awards, she said: “Encouraging and supporting people in Scotland to walk and wheel is a key part of our vision of a country where more people are more active more often.
“A huge number of highly motivated and skilled people are helping us deliver this vision, not least the passionate and dedicated volunteers who do so much to help others overcome challenges to participation.
“They are an inspiration and I am delighted that their contribution is being recognised by Paths for All in these Awards.”
Sponsoring MSP Paul McLennan has commended the work of the volunteers, he said: “My congratulations go the inspiring group of volunteers awarded this evening.
“The range of talent across the country is extremely impressive, and this is reflected in the passion of all the volunteers towards supporting health, wellbeing, social inclusion and the many other benefits of getting out and about.
“Scotland’s outdoors are stunning and varied. My own patch, East Lothian, has stunning coastlines a few miles away from the rolling Lammermuir hills. It’s brilliant to know that across all of Scotland’s diverse outdoor spaces there are people like the volunteers recognised this evening who are working hard to make those spaces accessible and inclusive to all who live here.
“I’d like to commend the work of the volunteers and the team at Paths for All for going above and beyond to promote active travel and leisure. I look forward to seeing what the next year brings!”
Paths for All is a national charity that champions everyday walking for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland and supports the Scottish Health Walk Network which delivers over 800 regular Health Walks across Scotland, catering for all ages and abilities.
It manages a range of grant funds that support projects aiming to increase participation in walking, active travel, and to improve community paths for travel and recreation.
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, said: “Volunteers from the Chatelherault Health Walk group represent exactly why we host the award ceremony every year.
“Giving your time and energy to a cause without financial reward – may seem like a big ask but our volunteers continually go above and beyond in local communities across Scotland and never fail to make it look effortless. Even though we all know an immense amount of work goes on behind the scenes.
“The work carried out by volunteers is directly improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health, reducing social isolation and loneliness and helping people make more environmentally friendly lifestyle choices.
“This year we returned to an in-person event at Holyrood. It has been brilliant socialising with our amazing volunteers and to hear first-hand about the invaluable contributions they have been making.
“Our volunteers’ stories are always inspiring – and this year seems that little more exceptional knowing how many challenges have been faced along the way. Thank you to everyone for their efforts and ongoing dedication.”
Paths for All works with the Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and other active travel initiative to improve the mental, social and physical health of the country.
The charity awards thousands of pounds worth of grants each year to worthwhile projects that improve health, promote walking, encourage active and sustainable travel and improve environments for people to be active in.
To find out more which Health Walks you can join in South Lanarkshire, visit: www.pathsforall.org.uk/healthwalkfinder
A full list of Volunteer Award winners 2022 can be found on Paths for All’s website: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/
