The Wellbeing Walks initiative was instigated by the Greener Aberystwyth Group (GAG) who approached Rural Health and Care Wales (RHCW) in July 2020 to discuss taking forward a series of wellbeing walks linked to healthcare sites in Aberystwyth, with a view of encouraging walks in nature for health benefits and to aid the protection and management of green spaces; Ceredigion County Council (CCC) was also involved in the early discussions. Despite initial enthusiasm and interest from all parties, little progress was made until March 2021 when GAG asked RHCW to lead on the work.
Routes from the proposed starting sites were explored and funding was sought, with £2,000 received towards leaflet design and production costs from the Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) in September 2021. Other providers of walking initiatives in the region were consulted with and supported the project, such as the West Wales Walking for Wellbeing project and CCC’s Coast and Countryside (walking routes).
The aims and objectives of the Wellbeing Walks initiative are three-fold:
- to highlight the health and wellbeing benefits of walking in nature – “to encourage people to walk and spend time in nature, something that is increasingly recognised, as a means, to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing. Linking walking with traditional health sites, such as GP surgeries and hospitals, will hopefully strengthen the association between the two. Furthermore, health professionals are keen to integrate social or “green prescriptions” as important health and wellbeing interventions that everyone can embrace.” RHCW Aberystwyth Wellbeing Walks leaflet
- to provide an accessible activity for healthcare professionals, patients and visitors
- to enable groups of people to engage with wellbeing and walking in nature activities to promote the appreciation of nature
The Initiative aligns with the Welsh Government: “A Healthier Wales: Our plan for Health and Social Care” (2018): Ten National Design Principles: 1. Prevention and early intervention: The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and theClean Air Plan for Wales – Healthy Air, Healthy Wales – Promotion of Active Travel (walking and cycling) to create good places and support health and well-being (2020)
This Initiative falls under the RHCW Work Programme: Aim 1: Health, Wellbeing and Prevention – Improve the health and wellbeing of the Mid Wales population, which is aligned a Mid Wales Joint Committee (MWJC) strategic priority
The Aberystwyth Wellbeing Walks Series was formally launched on 8th December 2021, with four leaflets being produced, starting from Bronglais Hospital, Church, Padarn and Ystwyth GP surgeries.
The Machynlleth Wellbeing Walk Series was officially launched in October 2023 from Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital
Work on further Wellbeing Walks Series in north Powys and south Gwynedd is in progress with a target launch date in 2025