Walking for All marks milestone as first twinning walks bring communities together across Sligo and Cavan

In recent weeks, communities in Antrim, Down, Derry, Louth, Cavan and Sligo have been coming together through the first Walking for All twinning walks. This initiative is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUBP) helping people connect through the simple act of walking. Three events have been created to mark an early milestone for the programme, with local groups sharing walks, conversations and experiences across community and county lines, and form part of the wider programme ambition and delivery. The events form part of the wider Walking for All programme of activities as part of the cross-border initiative which to date has developed weekly walks across the region and border counties and recruited 500 walk leaders in its first six months. Supported by €7.53 million from PEACEPLUS, and led by Outscape, the programme is being delivered across Northern Ireland in partnership with eight local councils and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, and across the border counties with six Local Sports Partnerships. The Public Health Agency, Sport Ireland and Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking) as associate partners. The Walking for All programme aims to engage over 14,000 people in accessible, led walking activities over three years, supporting healthier, more connected communities, helping adults of all ages and abilities become more active, support their mental wellbeing and build stronger social connections. Officers Gemma and Matteo with Regional Manager, Helen Tomb Free walks take place every week and no special equipment is required. The organisation is offering free Walk Leader training for anyone interested in setting up a regular community walk in their area. Walk Leaders receive full support and training, helping them to create a lasting local activity that is open, inclusive and easy to sustain. The first twinning walk took place on 23 July in Carlingford involving Walking for All groups from Counties Louth and Down who met to take a guided historic walking tour of Carlingford Harbour. On 24 July members of Antrim and Derry/Strabane Walking for All groups took a boat across to Rathlin Island for a walking event, and on 28 July in Sligo, Walking for All groups from Counties Sligo and Cavan joined fo rthe first time for a twinning walk. Each activity has been designed to provide meaningful community engagement, bringing together people of different places, backgrounds, ages and abilities to participate in walking together, with the core focus of sharing their love and walking experiences together and building new connections through the joy of walking. Reflecting on the first Walking for All Twinning Walk in Carlingford involving walkers from Counties Louth and Down, Gareth Moore, Head of Participation, for Outscape and Walking for All said: 'Walking for All starts with something very simple: a free, welcoming walk in your own community. But the impact can go much further. People become more active, grow in confidence, meet neighbours and form friendships. 'These first twinning walks show those connections developing beyond individual walking groups. Participants are walking side by side, sharing their communities and beginning relationships that can continue long after the events have finished. 'We would love more people across Northern Ireland and the border counties to experience the benefits of Walking for All by joining their nearest walk or training to become a Walk Leader.' Commenting on the opportunity to walk with other groups: Caroline Lennon, Walk Leader, Dromore West Community Walk, County Sligo: 'Our group has been able to improve not only our physical health through these walks but also build lasting friendships. This twinning event has made our walks even more enjoyable, and the opportunity to meet and connect with new friends is always beneficial for both mental and physical health.' Stephanie Lord, Walk Leader, Walking for All at Cornafean, County Cavan: 'As a Walk Leader, it was brilliant to meet Walk Leaders from other communities, share ideas and talk about our groups. The main goal of our walking group is getting out and meeting people, and today that goal was definitely accomplished!' People can find their nearest walk at walkingforall.com. PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive. Walking for All is set up as a partnership model, with delivery partner organisations in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland. These organisations are vital to the delivery and operation of Walking for All and include local councils and a heritage trust in Northern Ireland and Local Sports Partnerships in the Republic of Ireland. 16 dedicated Walking for All Officers work across each council/county area to recruit, train and support Walk Leaders. These Walk Leaders support the establishment of walking groups, engaging thousands of people to take part in the walks.