New collection of walks launched to mark World Mental Health Day

https://www.gojauntly.com/

The county council has launched a new collection of walks in collaboration with walking app ‘Go Jauntly’ to mark World Mental Health Day.

From waterside routes to park trails in Ipswich and Lowestoft, the walks are available to view for free on the app and are part of the pilot ‘walking and cycling for wellbeing’ project funded by Active Travel England.

The Lowestoft walks include circular routes in Normanston Park and Nicholas Everett Park as well as Kensington Gardens to Pakefield or Kensington Gardens to East Point Pavillion. Ipswich walks include a nature collection in Alexandra Park, a walk and wheel along the Waterfront or a route from Ipswich Station to Derby Road.

The ‘walking and cycling for wellbeing’ project has now been running for two years. As well as the ‘Go Jauntly’ walks, the team run a number of free walking and cycling groups at various locations across both towns. From beginner “cuppa and a stroll” groups to moderate cycling and walking groups to more advanced sessions, all the groups offer residents an opportunity to take greater control of their health and wellbeing and become more active. Agreement has recently been reached to extend the project for another year.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October and is the day when everybody is encouraged to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. The physical and mental benefits of walking and cycling are well-documented.

Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for transport strategy, planning and waste, said:

“I’m delighted to launch the new collection of walks today on World Mental Health Day. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve mental health and by swapping a short drive for a short walk, you can keep active in the process as well as help reduce air pollution and congestion.”

Hana Sutch, Go Jauntly’s co-founder and CEO, said:

“Walking more is one of the easiest ways to help manage your mental wellbeing and can be used as a prop. Carving out time for a daily walk, even a short one, is an act of self-care and can help you become more active.

“It’s brilliant to work with Suffolk County Council to expand our walking routes in the region – there’s so many local walks in Ipswich and Lowestoft to choose from. I’d love to encourage local residents to download the app for free and get walking and hopefully feel happier and healthier for it.”