Useful Links
Walking the way to Health Initiative
WHI is a National network of more than 500 health walk schemes offering led walks
of up to 2 miles, free-of-charge, suitable for complete beginners and open to everyone.
Coordinated by Natural England the scheme also provides one-day training course
for volunteer walk leaders and runs a National Step-O-Meter Programme – encouraging
the use of pedometers by the National Health Service as way of motivating and encouraging
some of the most sedentary and hard to reach of us to walk more.
The Ramblers
the Ramblers Association provide many short walks of 2 to 5 miles at an easy pace,
ideal for people who are relatively fit or have been on health walks and now want
something a little more challenging. They also have a specific campaign called Get Walking, Keep Walking, targeting
5 cities in England and designed to help people learn more about the benefits of
walking, discover their neighbourhood’s hidden spaces and follow a 12-week
walking plan.
The National Heart Forum
The National Heart Forum (NHF) is a leading alliance of over 50 national organisations
working to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and related conditions such
as stroke, diabetes and cancer. Its alliance comprises charities, non-governmental
and medical professional organisations. Part of its remit is the prevention and
treatment of coronary heart disease: one of four government health priorities.
Regular, moderate intensity physical activity such as walking has been shown to
reduce the risk of heart disease.
British Heart Foundation
The British heart foundation is a national charity with a vision of a world
in which people do not die prematurely of heart disease. They commission and
publish research as well as coordinating prevention projects and ensuring quality
care and support for everyone living with heart disease.
Department of Health
The Department for Health provide health and social care policy, guidance and publications
for the National Health Service and social care professionals in England.
Key resources include:
- Walk in to work out 1 January 2002
- Evaluation of the Schools on the Move project
The aim of this evaluation was to assess the effectiveness of the Schools on the
Move project, in terms of increasing physical activity levels, walking in particular,
in young people and in raising levels of knowledge and awareness of the role of
walking and physical activity in maintaining health and well-being. 13 December
2007
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes,
funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition.
National Obesity Forum
An independent charity, working to improve the prevention and management of obesity.
Walking has been shown to contribute to weight management.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers isn’t just about food, but fitness as well. Part of their
philosophy for healthy, long-term weight loss involves introducing fitness into
everyday life to maintain a healthy body.
Weight Watcher’s website includes an informative section on ‘Fitness
and Health’ which offers health assessment tools, easy to follow exercise
ideas that don’t have to involve trips to the gym, and lots of support and
advice pages for creating a healthier lifestyle.
MEND – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It
The MEND Programme is a free after-school course open to 7-13 year olds who are
above their ideal weight, accompanied by a parent or guardian. The course involves
games and activities, food demonstrations and group rewards, and lasts 10 weeks.
MEND helps the whole family learn how to be healthier and fitter, ensuring sustainable
results to treat and prevent obesity.
Mind
Mind is the leading charity organisation for mental health, and by constantly campaigning
and educating. It is influencing policies and gaining equal rights. Mind’s
Information Unit produces factual booklets on every aspect of mental health, including
pioneering work on the psychological benefits of an active lifestyle.
British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health
The British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC)
was established in April 2000 with funding from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
BHFNC is based within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Loughborough
University and is committed to developing and promoting initiatives that will help
professionals stimulate more people to take more activity as part of everyday life.