It’s time to Get Doncaster Moving!
Hello there
As we start to come out of lockdown, many of us will be looking for new ways to enjoy the local area, get outside and make the most of the better weather!
In fact, research by Doncaster Council has found that nearly half (45%) of Doncaster residents reported doing less physical activity in the second lockdown compared to in the summer.
Even before the pandemic, Doncaster was below the national average for physical activity, with around one in three residents finding it hard to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity regularly each week.
That’s why Doncaster Council has launched a new campaign to Get Doncaster Moving, our plan for getting more people involved in physical activity and sport.
To begin with, we’re keeping it simple. We just want to get people thinking about getting out for a walk in their local area. It’s free, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy some spring sunshine and it could really help to improve your wellbeing.
With so much green space in around Doncaster, from parks to beautiful countryside, there are lots of places to walk that you might not have thought about before.
Below, you can read about how walking has helped other Doncaster residents and discover the what’s on your doorstep.
Amy and Jaycie's Story
Amy would admit that before lockdown, she wasn’t the most active person. But by getting out for walks in the local area, she has discovered lots of benefits for herself, her partner and her partner’s 5-year-old daughter Jaycie.
Living in a home without a garden has been challenging for them all, particularly while trying to juggle home schooling for Jaycie. Amy says that building a walk into their daily routine has really helped to improve their wellbeing.
“Mental health-wise, it’s had a massive impact,” she says. “Just getting out and going for a walk –it certainly beats climbing the walls!”
Walking has also helped Amy to get active in other ways, as she recently completed the Couch to 5k running programme. One of their favourite places for a walk is the local park, where Jaycie also enjoys playing and riding her bike.
Jaycie says: “I think children should go out as much as me, because it keeps them healthy and fit!”
Angela's Story
A familiar face to many in the Denaby area, Angela is local community champion for the Active Dearne Project and regularly runs activities and groups across Denaby for local people to attend.
Although Angela hasn’t always been a keen walker, she’s discovered that it makes a big difference to her overall wellbeing.
Angela has health issues, including fibromyalgia and an underactive thyroid, and says walking has been hugely important for both her physical and mental health.
“I don’t have a lot of energy, and I do get easily tired, but I’ve really benefited from walking in so many ways,” she says.
When lockdown restrictions allow, Angela runs a range of activities for local people to attend including the Denaby Health Walk. These walks are free to join for people of all ages and abilities, with different routes in and around Denaby.
“Even just walking around the streets can be beneficial,” says Angela. “You’re always likely to see someone who will greet you with a smile.”
Lynn's Story
Balby resident Lynn has found walking to be a life-changing activity. Lynn retired six years ago following a long and successful career, having been impacted by work-related stress.
To improve her mental health, she began getting out for walks in the local area with her dog Fergus, whom she bought following her retirement.
It’s made a huge difference to Lynn’s wellbeing, as she started to discover more and more places for walking in and around Balby.
“Reconnecting with nature was a big part of my recovery,” she says. “When I first got Fergus he was a puppy, so we started off with short 15-minute walks, but now we will sometimes go on walks for two or three hours and have made lots of new friends with fellow dog walkers!”
Lynn is an Occupational Therapist, has trained as a mindfulness teacher, and now runs mindfulness walks for people. She loves making the most of the beautiful countryside in and around Doncaster and is looking forward to hosting more walks as lockdown restrictions ease.
“The benefits of being outdoors for both physical and mental health are just enormous,” she says.
Discover places to walk in your area
Get Doncaster Moving is a partnership of organisations who are committed to helping Doncaster's communities become healthier and more vibrant.
For more information on ways to get out and get active, including places to walk in your area:
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