Walking in the Pathfinder
Many of the Pathfinders have been working with their residents and stakeholders to increase walking and wheeling opportunities in their neighbourhoods and encourage regular walking and wheeling in the local area.
This includes:
- Conducting walkability assessments
- Making improvements to pavements
- Beautifying the area
- Reducing littering
- Designing walking routes
- Supporting residents to take the lead on resident led walking groups
- Installing benches
- Creating walking route maps
- Tackling safety issues and lighting
Below are a few examples from our Pathfinders:
Abbey Hey, Manchester with Southway Housing Trust
In May 2024, for National Walking Month, we visited a group of residents who are benefitting from a walking group in the Abbey Hey Pathfinder.
Watch the video to find out more.
Brinnington, Stockport with Stockport Homes
This summer, 32 members of the Brinnington community, including residents, boarded a coach for a trip to the RHS gardens at Bridgewater in Salford.
The trip came about after discussions about walking month. A number of walks had been done in the vicinity of Brinnington and Reddish Vale but the community were keen to venture a little further afield to a place that was still easily accessible and affordable.
RHS is also perfect for anyone who uses a wheelchair or a scooter and the majority of the paths are level and easily accessible.
Members of the community included local organisations such as BLOGs and Appleton Manor and the oldest resident was over 100 years old.
Everyone set off at their own paces, with wheelchairs available for hire from RHS for those who needed it. Some chose to sit in contemplation by the side of beautiful water features, while others marvelled at the stunning gardens and the amazing pagoda. The ducks were fed and the grounds were explored, tea was had and all agreed it had been a wonderful day.
As a result of the trip, many residents commented on how much it had lifted their spirits, with one lady becoming a member so she could return as many times as she pleased while another gentleman arranged a return trip with his daughter.
For National Walking Month, Brinnington residents also went out on a walk through Brinnington Park litter picking.
It was not all work though with participants walking through the park together, chatting and taking part in an activity that benefitted the local community. It was also a chance to meet up with friends and enjoy the outdoors.
Ridge Hill, Tameside with Jigsaw
The Couch to Out and About project was developed due to an identified need from local residents and stakeholders in the Stalybridge area of Tameside. The project manager engaged with residents in mid and later life through existing groups and one-to-ones, and with stakeholders working in the area to understand what it was like to live there; to walk, access nature, socialise and shop in Stalybridge. It was highlighted that there was a substantial need for improving the connections between green (parks) and blue space (canals, lakes and rivers) and the town centre. In particular, Ridgehill, a neighbourhood in the north of Stalybridge, had a lack of amenities and resources locally. Furthermore, limited public transport meant residents made small journeys in cars and taxis. This coupled with the hill aspect of the neighbourhood, meant some residents were socially isolated and becoming deconditioned.
Read to find out more – Couch to Out and About (PDF, 779KB)
Worsley Mesnes, Hawkley Hall and Goose Green, Wigan
There has been a lot of activity around walking within the Wigan Pathfinder. Community engagement identified and agreed that a stretch of Poolstock Lane would be a good section for a walking audit to be completed as it was a busy route for pedestrians, car users and buses. As the health centre and other amenities are en route such as pharmacies, pubs, churches, social clubs and shops, this was considered a purposeful journey route. Residents that supported were walkers and wheelchair users, which gave two very different perspectives and valuable lived experience.
The Walking Route Audit Tool (WRAT) was used to assess the current condition and suitability of a route. The criteria that it covered were attractiveness, comfort, directness, safety and coherence. The route is then scored against criteria under the headings of:
- Poor provision,
- provision which is adequate but should be improved
- Good quality provisions and a score is recorded for each criteria
Key areas of the route that needed improvements were identified, such as access issues that were making it difficult for residents to cross the road, uneven pavements, an increased gradient in the pavement and missing tactile paving slabs. Colleagues from the Wigan Council's Network Management Team were informed of the results of the completed audit survey, and they agreed to attend a follow-up site visit with residents. Residents were heard and had their opinions included in the planning and change improvements thanks to this activity. As a result of this conversation, one section the residents recommended for improvement was ‘Fairbrother Avenue’, they were informed that this has already been placed on Wigan council’s planned maintenance schedule and the Ageing in Place Pathfinder will fund additional sections that need improvement. This is a great first step in highlighting coproduction and collaborative working.
The Walk and Talk session hosted by Marus Bridge Practice is another great example of resident-led involvement and really shows how by empowering individuals, great things can be achieved. This walk used to take place twice a month but due to demand it has now evolved into a weekly walk hosted by the residents. It’s an accessible walk for everyone. The walk takes in the beautiful scenery around Scotmans Flash and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. It is an hour in duration and is a sociable stroll ideal for those returning to walking or fancying a natter whilst improving their fitness. It also always finishes with a drink and biscuit within the warm space. Staff from the health centre are also encouraged to participate and engage with residents.
Members of the Walk and Talk session.
The Pathfinder is also keen to explore and develop a couch to out-and-about or wellbeing walking initiative in which benches are placed in strategic areas throughout SWAN and a walking route map is created. The following locations have been proposed: St Jude's Social Club, Clifton House Sheltered Scheme, Clifton Street Community Centre, Chandler House Health Centre, and Scotsman's Flash.
Article Published: 24/09/2024 22:37 PM
