“I know I need to get out of the flat everyday but sometimes I just can’t do it. I wasn’t going to come today but when you texted me, I just forced myself and I’m really glad I did”.
“I love looking at the water and the hills, the sea always makes me feel good. I love to walk every day. It’s not that cold if you walk”
“It’s always a really nice atmosphere, makes you realise it’s a great community”
“I’ve hardly met anyone and I have been so lonely, I can make friends now”
“I can’t work anymore and it makes me feel really down. I think the walks help me because I can speak with other women. At least when I walk I feel like I’m part of something”.
Our Taking Steps to Better Health Project is about improving our wellbeing by being outdoors more often. It is an exciting project that reflects the roots of PCHP – to promote physical and mental health, to provide ways for people to connect, and to support learning. This project does all of this and more.
Taking Steps to Better Health supports and encourages more regular walking, active travel and it offers opportunities to connect with others outdoors through enjoyable and fun activities, events and celebrations. The project supports accessible and no cost ways to self-manage the effects of stress and day to day pressures, and works with Community Link Workers and partners to build on Nature Prescriptions research and outcomes https://www.rspb.org.uk/natureprescriptions.
It offers a springboard for creative and enjoyable ways for people to connect with nature on the doorstep. We support people to increase their time outside by holding many of our PCHP groups and events outdoors. We have developed our Wild Places and Open Spaces resources (maps and walking routes) to encourage the exploration of nature in North Edinburgh. By getting to know the neighbourhood, people discover hidden gems including walking and cycling routes, play areas, green gyms and beaches while nurturing and growing their sense of belonging to the area and all it has to offer.
Taking Steps to Better Health promotes our Women Supporting Women Active Buddies peer support programme matching and connecting individuals and small groups of women to encourage and accompany each other to regular walking and other outdoor activities in the local area.
