New London walk from GP surgery

In the spring of 2011 there were 5 weekly health walks in the borough of Camden but, as the scheme had evolved, these had grown in length and were no longer suitable for beginners.

We thought it would be a good idea to set up a beginners’ walk based around a GP practice. It would have the advantage of being a familiar trusted place, people would be comfortable coming there and they could book through reception.
Chris Norfield, co-ordinator Camden Walks

Fortunately, one of the doctors at local Caversham GP Group Practice was keen to be able to recommend health walks to patients with certain conditions and so a ‘walking clinic’ was set up similar to other clinics at the practice. It was then promoted through reception, through the GPs themselves, the practice’s website and its Twitter feed.

Pilot walk

Chris set about planning and advertising a pilot walk which was open to all - patients and non-patients alike. He was pleased when 6 new walkers and 3 doctors turned up.

The walk took in two local parks and an outdoor gym so it was good to be able to mention these facilities as well. The new walkers were able to talk to the doctors and the doctors could see how positive people were after the walk.
Chris Norfield

New walk established

Such was the response that one of the new walkers then took part in a walk leader training that Chris ran the following week. A 30-minute monthly beginners’ walk has been set up which starts and ends at the surgery with a meeting room made available for tea, coffee and socialising afterwards.

Special walking maps showing routes in the area have been produced by Walk England and NHS Camden. The new health walk is based on one of these routes and walkers are given the maps so that they can repeat the walk or do others on their own or with family and friends at other times.

Future plans

Following the pilot walk, walkers were asked what else they would like to see happen. Interest was expressed in having ½ hour talks after the walks on topics such as healthy eating.

I gave one talk on other outdoor physical activity programmes in the area and other talks are planned. These will be optional but there for all who are interested.
Chris Norfield

There is a strong likelihood that other GP practices in the borough will become involved in running health walks from their premises.

One GP is keen to set up a buggy walk for parents and babies/toddlers. More volunteer walk leaders are being recruited in order to make this happen.

It has been a great success. The walking clinic at this surgery is starting to become an important part of preventative care and we are confident about the continuing involvement of the GPs.
Chris Norfield

Caversham Group Practice