Walking the way to Health

What is the description of the project?
WHI is the 'Walking the way to Health Initiative' and it aims to get more people walking in their own communities, especially those who take little exercise or live in areas of poor health. 

Who are the target groups and how many visitors are there?  
Walking is set to play a bigger role in creating a healthier nation. Described by health experts as 'almost perfect exercise', walking requires no equipment or expense and is the ideal way for most people to become more active. Seven out of every ten people in this country are not physically active enough to benefit their health. This programme is for people who can take little exercise or live in areas of poor health.

Has research been done on as to the effect and specially this practice/ project?
In the past, we have done several evaluations of the initiative. We are currently working with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence on a new nationwide evaluation designed to prove the link between health and the natural environment and help with promotion to healthcare professionals and potential funders.

What are the health benefits noticed by yourself and by the users?
Improved:
Confidence
Stamina
Energy
Weight Control
Life expectancy

Reduces risk of:
Coronary heart disease
Strokes
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Bowel Cancer
Alzheimer's disease
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Anxiety
Stress

What organisation is behind the project and how is the project funded?  
WHI is an initiative of the British Heart Foundation and Natural England. It benefits from extra funding from the Big Lottery Fund. WHI has helped to create over 400 local health walk schemes and has trained over 30,000 volunteer walk leaders. Since 2000, it is estimated that we've encouraged over a million people to walk more.

What are the future possible chances for the project?  
Continued growth of Walking the way to Health through formalising the process by which healthcare professionals prescribe walking and other outdoor physical activity.

What are the inhibiting factors/ challenges?
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Contact information
Contact:                      Dorrien Preece
Website:                     www.whi.org.uk
E-mail:                         dorrien.preece@naturalengland.org.uk               
Telephone:                  0044 (0) 1242 533 258