The Every Step Counts gentle wellbeing walking group is taking its second step on the road to better health and fitness by launching a new walk in West Kingsdown.
The group has been organising walks in Otford for residents looking for light exercise and companionship including people with a long-term health condition or concerns about their weight, or those who lack the fitness or the confidence to go out walking alone.
After popular demand, with the Otford group recently taking its collective 50,000th step, the West Kingsdown walk will be launching on Wednesday 24 January at 10.30amfrom West Kingsdown Pavilion off London Road and will continue every Wednesday thereafter.
Former BBC newsreader, Peter Sissons, who launched the first Every Step Counts walk in Otford is returning to launch the second wellbeing walk as well as Kent Sports Trust founder, Steve Wolfe.
The walks last around 30 minutes and are organised by Founder and Director, Cllr Anna Firth and run by qualified walk volunteers Jo Kingston, Irene Collins and Susan Whittaker with the support of Sevenoaks District Council’s Healthy Living Team.
Cllr Michelle Lowe, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Health, says: “Going on regular short walks for just 15 minutes a day is a good way to lose weight, lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of many chronic illnesses.
“So it is great that we are able to expand Every Step Counts to West Kingsdown where people who have not been able to do much walking for a long time can get back into the swing of things with short, gentle walks with the support of other like-minded people.”
Steve Wolfe of Kent Sports Trust, adds: “I can’t congratulate the team from Every Step Counts enough for their magnificent initiative in getting communities active through walking.”
“Having experienced it for myself, it’s great to see so many people of all ages and abilities, getting together for something that will undoubtedly improve their physical health, but also their mental health.”
“We are now working with the Every Step Counts group to see if we can roll out Every Step Counts to all parts of Kent. I’d urge anyone to get involved as the team at Kent Sports Trust certainly will be.”
Residents can find out more about Every Step Counts by e-mailing [email protected] and more information about other health walks in the District, is available by calling 01732 227000, e-mailing [email protected] or visiting www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/healthwalks