Volunteers of a Lanarkshire walking group have been recognised for their commitment to improving the health of their local community and going the extra mile for 20 years.
The Chatelherault Health Walk leaders have been recognised as the winners of the Ian Findlay Outstanding Achievement Award at Scotland’s national walking charity, Paths for All ’s Volunteer Awards 2022.
The group was first established in 2002 and some of the original volunteers still lead the local weekly walk for over 30 people.
Paula Hubens, project coordinator, told Lanarkshire Live : “The seven-strong group of volunteers are incredibly enthusiast and committed to the Health Walks. We are so grateful to them.
“The Walk Leaders are very flexible and accommodate people of all fitness levels and abilities ensuring that everyone can be included and encouraged to participate in physical activity and socialising.
“During the pandemic the group kept in touch by phone and when restrictions eased Walk Leaders were keen to start again as soon as possible, being very aware that a lot of their walkers had been deprived of face-to-face social contact for many months.
“The Walk Leaders work very well together and complement each other perfectly. Each of them bringing something different to the group. It is a dream team.”
The Ian Findlay Outstanding Volunteer Award was created in honour of Paths for All's long-standing chief officer Ian Findlay who passed away in March 2021.
A committed volunteer himself he was also an advocate for volunteers to be recognised, thanked and celebrated.
Muriel Jaap, walk leader at Chatelherault, said: “This award comes at a really special time as the group is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
“It is the group’s aim to make the walks interesting and enjoyable for the 25 to 30 people who regularly attend.
“A strong community bond has been created through walking, even if it is just for an hour each week it really gives people a sense of belonging.”
The group was commended at Paths for All’s prestigious annual awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament last month.
Kevin Lafferty, Paths for All chief executive, said: “Volunteers from the Chatelherault Health Walk group represent exactly why we host the award ceremony every year.
“The work carried out by volunteers is directly improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health, reducing social isolation and loneliness and helping people make more environmentally friendly lifestyle choices."
Paths for All is a national charity that champions everyday walking for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland and supports the Scottish Health Walk Network which delivers over 800 regular Health Walks across Scotland, catering for all ages and abilities.
To find out more which Health Walks you can join in South Lanarkshire, head online.
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