The ‘Stepping out’ in Clayton and Newton Heath Health Walk Scheme, is part of the national ‘Walking the Way to Health’ initiative of the British Heart Foundation and the Countryside Agency. It benefits from extra funding from the New Opportunities Fund and sponsorship from Kia Cars as part of their ‘Think Before You Drive’ campaign. The initiative aims to improve the health and fitness of more than a million people, especially those who do little or no exercise or who live in areas of poor health. You can get more information from: www.whi.org.uk and www.countryside.gov.uk

The 100th Walk

The scheme also benefits from local support given by New Deal for East Manchester, Beacons for a Brighter Future, Health Action Zone, North Manchester Primary Care Trust, Manchester Healthy Cities and the Environment Agency. A strong partnership between NHS Women’s Health Team and Community Nutrition Service, Groundwork Manchester and New Deal for East Manchester oversees the scheme for the benefit of the whole community.

Pete McGowan