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You are here: Home > News > Walking For Health Aids Recovery At Lister Park

• Walking for Health aids recovery at Lister Park

• Date:

  15th April 2008

• Contact:

  Sarah Egerton

• Organisation:

  The Civic Trust

Bradford’s Lister Park is the location of a pedestrian phenomenon, where many patients are easing physical and mental health ailments by taking part in a series of organised walking events throughout the year.

The Walking for Health scheme, organised by the local PCT, offer between 40 and 50 walks per week across the city of Bradford, ranging from short to lengthy walks either open to the public or closed to target groups such as those with mental health issues or mother and toddler groups.

Doctors refer their patients for exercise under the BEEP scheme (Bradford Encouraging Exercising People) which works to encourage people to take more exercise more often by reducing barriers to make exercise more affordable and accessible. BEEP targets those at risk from coronary heart disease and stroke, and those suffering from deterioration in mental health. It specifically targets those on low income, the socially isolated and ethnic minority groups.

Walk for Health Co-ordinator Nurjaham Aliarobi said: “It is anyone who is considered by their GP as benefiting from this activity. People are referred for a huge range of issues, from therapeutic, mental issues to obesity problems. In addition, the walks are often open to those who just come off the street.

“They love it. There are many people who started off as walkers and have since become assistants and even walk leaders.”

In addition to supporting a substantial number of people to take more exercise more often, BEEP has been successful in bringing together the work of primary health care and leisure services in promoting health. It has generated a greater understanding of health issues among leisure staff and conversely helped health care staff to understand the role leisure services can play in health.

Find your local Walking to Health scheme at: http://www.whi.org.uk

The last few years have seen a significant rise in the number of GPs prescribing exercise to people with mild to moderate depression, according to new research from the Mental Health Foundation. The charity says GPs now prescribe exercise therapy as one of their most common treatments for depression compared with only 5% three years ago. For further information visit: http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Ten years ago, Dr William Bird pioneered the very first green gyms which have since grown under the management of the BTCV – visit: www2.btcv.org.uk/display/greengym