From the months of April to September Clare Salmons (Amber Valley CVS) engaged with the community to understand the barriers and opportunities to walking in the area, especially for those living with long term health conditions and disabilities so we can find how to support people to move more.

The engagement work found that most people are doing the best they can but have a lot of other responsibilities that get in the way of their activity. 26% of those involved are a carer for someone else and 87% are disabled under the Equalities Act. People’s definition of “walking” was different as some would regularly walk to the shops or to other places but didn’t count it as walking, but some did. She also found that there were safety concerns such as uneven surfaces, anti-social behaviour and lack of benches, and residents asked for more indoor and low level walking activities.  

One resident explained how a pacemaker completely changed their life and to “never take walking for granted”.

Another, 96 year old walks every day to socialise for their mental and physical health, without the need for any medication.

Through the insight gathered the next steps are for the group to get together and look into the possible offers they can provide the community, such as chair based exercises, home exercises and indoor walks. Another potential focus is supporting carers and working with programmes like Get Out Get Active (GOGA). Amber Valley Borough Council is also currently looking into enhancing their exercise by referral programme and have plans to integrate it further into the network.

Resident voice is important in making sure that the community is being represented and that any support is actively helping people to move more in a way that fits them. Walk Derbyshire wants to work more collaboratively, so are currently inviting residents to join the group to have a say in the activities and services in the area.

If you know anyone interested in joining, please contact Chris Frost at chrisfrost@avcvs.org or 01773512076.