South Tyneside: Walking Works Wonders

Region: North East

Last updated: 18, July 2011

The aim of the scheme is to develop a network of health walks across South Tyneside and Newcastle. Building on the successes of the Walks in the Park and Walking Works Wonders initiatives, it caters to the needs of targeted sedentary groups and complements GP referral schemes.

The walks promote improved mental and physical health to people living in deprived communities within the Tyne & Wear Health Action Zone.

Our walks

Our walks

The project has developed a programme of Volunteer Walk Leader led walks across South Tyneside and Newcastle, which includes Temple Park, Monkton, Hebburn, Jarrow, Whitburn, Cleadon, Ocean Road, Greys Monument Newcastle, now with over 10 routes alone, Coastal monthly at South Shields and more recently Friends of the Park. All walks are targeted to minimum of 1hour and at a regular pace. We currently have 11 led walks per week, led by fully trained volunteer walk leaders. All are welcome to come along, take part and get walking!

We welcome any new volunteers who would be interested in being part of a successful team and willing to train as a 'Walking Works Wonders' walk leader, this includes a First Aid Awareness course. All training costs are covered and volunteers are issued with their own walk leader’s kit, including a backpack, first aid kit, hi-vis vest, clipboard and whistle.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, but, if the idea of sweating it out in a gym doesn't appeal, then a walk around the borough could offer an interesting alternative. Eight booklets have been produced by the partnership. Inside are a series of self guided walks aimed at encouraging people of all ages to walk relatively short distances at a brisk pace. The booklets cover all areas of South Tyneside: Monkton Fell and South Hebburn, Temple Park, The Coast, Urban History (South Shields), Urban History (Jarrow and Hebburn), Primrose and the River Don Corridor, Boldon (Colliery Wood) and North and South Marine Parks.

Each are way marked to a very high standard and developed in partnership with the community. Copies of the booklets are available from Groundwork South Tyneside & Newcastle 0191 4281144 or at  http://www.southtyneside.info/article/8746/Walks-and-wildlife-sites

The Walking Works Wonders partnership is made up of Groundwork South Tyneside & Newcastle, South Tyneside Council, South of Tyne and Wear Primary Care Trust, Newcastle City Council, Mental Health Matters, NECA, Friends of Marine Park and Natural England all are committed to improving the health and lifestyle of the local community.