Posted 12:45pm
As many are aware, we launched our Izzwalkz project just over two years ago. In partnership with Highbury Grange Medical Centre, we started Izzwalkz CP (Clissold Park), and it was meant to be the first of several around Islington.
The benefits of group walking are numerous. Not only is there the exercise part (and we have introduced stretches, gentle exercise, boxercise, yoga poses, etc into our walks) - all these accesible to people of any age and ability, but there is the social inclusion. The walks are fully inclusive, full of chat and laughter (a lot at my expense. lol), and the feedback has been wonderfiul.
Islington Mayor (Una) with us on our 1st Izzwalkz birthday
November 2017
"It was my favourite event as Mayor" she told us this year.
We have been speaking to the council for around a year about how we can expand. I would like to be running at least five a week around the borough - but that comes with a cost. Insurance, First Aid, volunteer costs (it is important it is organised and managed with a walk leader), marketing, etc. But we were told on several occasions that there was Zero money available - zilch. And I understand re cuts etc., but surely this ticks all the boxes on mental health, loneliness, awareness of getting outdoors, etc.
You can therefore imagine my surprise to see Healthwatch Islington issuing a notice re an upcoming workshop being run by Islington Council for people to come forward to be part of their Ground Force to lead walking tours in the North of Islington in the New Year. I am guessing these would be money raising walks - not healthy ones for residents - with volunteers doing it for nothing??? It isn;t clear.
So it appears, and I have asked for clarification of what is happening, that there is no budget to help with a healthy walk initiative for people living in Islington, but there has to be a budget for this other scheme. I am honestly shocked.
Islington Mayor (Dave) leads our 2nd Izzwalkz bi shocrthday
November 2018
I contacted Healthwatch Islington, who passed me the contact from the Council. I have emailed and rang with no response as yet. Further news on this to follow.
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