MSP urges Moray to put best foot forward for National Walking Month
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MORAY MSP Richard Lochhead is backing a national campaign encouraging people to get walking.
He is taking part in #Try20 to try to walk for 20 minutes every day throughout May, as part of Living Streets’ National Walking Month.
Each May, Living Streets – the UK charity for everyday walking – encourages people to try walking and enjoy the benefits of walking.
National Walking Month will also play host to Walk to School Week (May 16-20). Families are encouraged to walk to school for the whole week with special activity packs available for school pupils. Last year, a record 350,000 pupils across the UK took part. This year’s video game-inspired inspired challenge, #PowerUp, will encourage pupils to travel sustainably to school every day of the week.
Mr Lochhead said: “National Walking Month provides a fantastic opportunity for people to incorporate walking into their daily lives, starting with just 20 minutes per day.
“Active people report higher levels of mental wellbeing and are more likely to be satisfied with their life, feel happier and less anxious – and walking together can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
“I hope people will join me and Try 20 this May. Together we can enjoy the fresh air, tackle climate change, socialise and get some exercise.”
Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets added: “National Walking Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the joy walking has brought so many of us over the past couple of years.
"With restrictions lifted, it’s time for us to walk back together.
“Walking for just 20 minutes a day can have fantastic health benefits, as well as making us feeling more connected to the people and places around us. We’re thrilled that communities nationwide are joining us this May and enjoying the fresh air, fun, freedom, and friendship that walking brings.”
Living Streets’ #Try20 tips to help people fit 20 minutes of walking into their everyday routine are available at livingstreets.org.uk/nationalwalkingmonth.
