Source: City of Coventry
The city’s new Go Walks scheme has been launched, giving families the chance to explore their local area, improve their health and build stronger communities.
The series of walks is based around the City’s Family Hubs that provide welcoming, safe spaces where children, young people and families can access services and help, while enjoying fun activities and building friendships.
The launch which took place on the 25 April saw families set out on one of the walks at the Moat Family Hub, hosted by guest of honour, and much-loved children’s TV presenter, Gemma Hunt, an Ambassador for The Outdoor Guide Foundation.
Gemma said: “Go Walks is brilliant for these wonderful Family Hubs in Coventry.
“There are different walks you can go on with your families and they’re all really easily accessible for all ages, so breathe in the fresh air and get outdoors.”
After enjoying the walk, local families gave the scheme the thumbs-up, with comments including:
- “The walk was amazing and I enjoyed it. It helped with my mental health and wellbeing. I’ll do more walks. It was good to meet new people.”
- “The walk was beautiful. I saw places I never knew were there and enjoyed ice cream and seeing Gemma Hunt.”
- “The walk was very exciting and the trail map is good. It’s a healthy way of engaging the kids.”
See photos from the day – Family Hubs launch Go Walks | Flickr.
Go Walks is the result of a new partnership between the City Council and The Outdoor Guide – an organisation that strongly believes in the value of enjoying a healthy life outdoors – which has built a national network of walks throughout the UK in both cities and the countryside.
The aim of the walks is to link residents with green spaces in their areas. Showing local families the amazing facilities right on their doorstep – from parks and woodland to social supermarkets, food banks, drop-in centres, places of worship, medical centres and primary schools. This initiative delivers on our pledge to children and young people to help them be and feel healthy as part of Child Friendly Cov.
As well as enabling residents to get to know their area better and see the numerous facilities and support on offer, the walks will also introduce new arrivals to the City to their neighbourhood and bring people together. Families will be able to connect with their local Family Hub and discover all the free activities and resources available for them.
Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “The Go Walks scheme is a wonderful idea and you could see how valued they will be by the reaction of people at the launch.
“They will bring people together, get people talking and build communities, and they will help many to enjoy more of our great city while getting a little healthier.”
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “We all know how important exercise is for our mental and physical wellbeing, and the Go Walks are a great way to enjoy some gentle activity in the fresh air.
“They are ideal for families to spend some time together and to take a few minutes to relax away from the everyday pressures. I am sure they will be a popular addition to our city.”
To learn more about Go Walks, visit The Outdoor Guide’s website. To find out more about your local Family Hub offer please visit www.coventryfamilies.co.uk