Walk Derbyshire has already in the last year succeeded in training 131 people through its Walk Leader Accreditation Scheme, supported the development of nearly 100 individual walking groups and seen almost 25,000 walker attendances.
In addition, the organisation has worked with communities over the last 4 years in 8 different areas to identify the barriers that residents face in walking as part of their daily lives. By working strategically with local partners, this has resulted in significant improvements to walking opportunities, better access to trails, provision of extra benches and upgraded signage.
Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Dawn Abbott said:
“I’m thrilled to announce this extra funding to help boost the provision of the walking offer here within our county! Walking has lots of benefits for residents: better physical and mental health outcomes, the opportunity to meet other local people and the forging of stronger relationships within our communities.”
The money announced is allocated from the 2026 to 2027 Public Health Grant.
The funding will support development of healthier communities through working with partners to enable more people to walk more on an everyday basis and further expansion of the Walk Leader initiative, and other walking campaigns, including the launch of new routes.
Walk Derbyshire is a project jointly funded by us, Derby City Council and Active Partners Trust. These organisations are also committed to funding an additional £80,000 to deliver the programme.
The project is always on the lookout for new volunteers wanting to become a walk leader. If this is of interest, please visit the Walk Derbyshire website.
