Thursday 22 February 2018

Thursday 22nd February 2018 - Izzwalkz progress and future



Posted 4:00pm
Most recent entries have concentrated on the Ajani project and finance issues.  Meanwhile, our local Izzwalkz program has continued with success.

Izzwalkz is all about getting people out from the flat/house, introducing some light stretches and exercise to a healthy walk, and getting people chatting and laughing with others. It's incredible how something as simple as a group walk can build confidence and improve well-being.

Our one current walk - the only guaranteed weekly health walk in Islington - is around Clissold Park, partnered with Highbury Grange Medical Practice, which is where we gather and finish. Normally lasting between 60 and 80 minutes, we enjoy a steady walk, making sure everyone is comfortable. There is no clique. Everyone chats with everyone else, and there is a lot of laughter, normally at the walk leader (me).

Numbers are steadily growing. In the last two months we have had at least six new members walking, and they all come back again, so we must be doing something right. And that is in the recent cold weather. Come the summer we are hopeful of even better numbers.

If we can get financial support from the CCG, the aim is to improve to five or six different weekly walks throughout the borough - using Highbury Fields, Finsbury Park, Kings Cross, Whittington Park, Paradise Park and Rosemary Gardens as possible sites.

I personally enjoy the walks immensely. I hope that once Ajani takes off I will still be able to walk as many as possible. We have built uo a great group. Next week, I am going to hand out some feedback forms and ask people to take them away and complete for me.

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