Merthyr Tydfil

Merthyr Tydfil

Project Leader: Kay Maybank

Contact Details: Kay.Maybank@nphs.wales.nhs.uk

About the Project:

Statistics show that 71% of adults in Merthyr Tydfil do not take the recommended minimum level of physical activity to benefit their health. The physical activity levels across Wales, as in most of the developed world, are low, with 71% of adults not reaching the recommended minimum of 30 minutes moderate activity on 5 days of the week.

The Benefits of Walking are widely accepted and recognised. The introduction of Let’s Walk Cymru in Merthyr Tydfil has provided an opportunity, for new and established Walking Groups, to grow and develop. Providing a Network, that delivers Walk Leader Training Opportunities for the Voluntary Sector, Community Based and Statutory Organisations to the benefit of the individuals and their groups, in relation to their health and well being.

Whilst actively supporting Community First Area’s, establishing their needs in relation to Walking Groups, we provide a support network engaging with the Voluntary Sector, Community Based, Statutory Organisations and Professional Department’s, to come together as one. Becoming actively involved within the "Merthyr Tydfil Partnership Agreement" with a view to identifying further needs of the initiative withing our Borough with regard to our Natural Environment.

"Merthyr Tydfil" proudly announces the recruitment of over 68 recently Qualified Walk Leaders – Trained as part of the "Let’s Walk Cymru" Initiative, from all sectors of the Community. This successful Training Event took place over September, October 2008 and February 2009.

As a result a Merthyr Walking Forum/Steering Group has been established – which will actively meet every quarter to sustain the Let’s Walk Cymru Initiative, for further development into the future.

Also, we wish the next "Walking Forum" to take place in the form of a Merthyr " Community Walk" in the location of the Brecon Mountain Centre - a beautiful location for a "Health Walk" an area free of restrictions of any stiles or gates. I have sourced a historian for the walk who will give us some history of the area.

Followed by refreshment's in the Mountain Centre Tea Rooms.

Please find herewith case studies of local Merthyr Walkers - who have benefited greatly from "Let's Walk Cymru"