CREW runs Health Walks every alternate Saturday. In June 2009 we were accredited Natural England’s Walking the Way to Health initiative (WHI).  We also have Health Walks available for the Todmorden area through the Todmorden Walkabout group. They organise walks alternate Mondays. The WHI website is http://www.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk. Details of all our Health Walks are below.

So what is a Health Walk?

The short definition of a health walk is "a purposeful, brisk walk undertaken on a regular basis" and it can include any walk which is specifically designed and carried out for the purpose of improving an individual's health.

It is the relative intensity of the walk for the individual and the regularity of participation that can really have an impact on heart health. With regard to cardiovascular health, the walk should be purposeful and 'brisk' (in other words more than just a stroll).  Organised walks (brisk or not) can have a health impact on individuals by providing an opportunity to socialise (good social networks enhance health) and a distraction from everyday stresses (stress contributes to poor health).

So what is accreditation about?

Aims
The aims of the accreditation programme are to set and maintain high standards for health walk schemes; to give potential users confidence about what to expect; to give participants, partners and funders added confidence; and to reassure users that the walks in their area are of good quality.

Benefits include:

                       The credibility associated with being part of a nationally and robustly   evaluated scheme;

                       Recognition by health professionals;

                       Use of the accreditation logo (shown above);

                       A dedicated page on the WHI website - with the accreditation logo displayed;

                       A WHI-accredited certificate.

Accreditation lasts for a year and there is a simple renewal procedure.

New Logo

Criteria
All schemes fulfilling 3 main criteria are eligible for accreditation:

1. Offering led health walks for beginners (these need to be reasonably flat walks with no stiles that last under one hour)

2. Meeting WHI safety and insurance standards for all walks

3. Collecting basic monitoring information.

CREW has 7 trained Health Walk Leaders. Dependant on the walk we will either split in to 2 walks and have a Walk Leader at the front and rear of each group or have one group with Walk Leaders at the front and rear and mixed in the main body.

NOTE: All new walkers have to register and declare their fitness to walk for insurance purposes. If you have any doubt please contact your doctor before coming on a walk.

Family and friends are welcome. Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn. Any specific medication should be brought with you and advised to the Walk Leader before the start of the walk. There is no charge and we normally have lunch at the end of the walks. The current programme is below.