New wellbeing walks will launch in Whitehaven this week.
The first hour-long walk will take place tomorrow, Thursday July 31, from 11am.
The gentle, hour-long walks will set off every Thursday at 11am from outside the former Halifax bank branch on King Street, currently being transformed into a new community wellbeing hub.
The walks are being organised by Hope Haven, a project working to improve mental health support in the area. The idea is to help people get moving, enjoy the fresh air and connect with others in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Yvonne Lewis, an NHS chaplain who will be leading the walks, said: “These gentle, welcoming walks are a lovely chance to get some movement into your weekly routine, enjoy some fresh air, and meet new people. Everyone who comes along feels the benefit for their mental wellbeing.”
Yvonne already runs similar walks in Workington.
The walks will follow easy routes around the town on accessible pavements and paths, with plenty of opportunities to stop and rest, and to take in some of Whitehaven’s sights along the way.
The first few walks will finish at Whitehaven Library, where participants are welcome to stay for a cuppa and a chat. Staff from Hope Haven can offer further one-to-one support for anyone who might need it.
Hope Haven is a collaboration between Cumbria Health, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), Everyturn Mental Health, Home Group, ICan Wellbeing Group CIO, The Well Communities and Whitehaven Community Trust.
Refurbishment work is currently under way at the King Street site, which will soon become the permanent home of Hope Haven.
Once complete, the building will include a welcoming entrance, private rooms for one-to-one conversations, a physical treatment room, an activity area, office space and more.
