Get on your shoes or wheels, locate a park or green space, and start moving. Just 10 minutes of moving each day can improve your heart health, uplift your mood, boost your mental well-being, strengthen your bones and muscles, and contribute to a fulfilling and healthy life. And walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get your mind and body in motion. Mental Health Awareness Week falls within National Walking Month and the GM Walking Festival offering everyone the opportunity to join in with a programme of free walking, wheeling, and whirling activities across Salford and Greater Manchester. You can make your way to any one of the many venues and groups walking, wheeling or having a whirl on the dance floor. Cllr John Merry, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Adult Services, Health, and Wellbeing, said: "Regular activity like walking can improve heart and lung function, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of developing heart disease. The festival and awareness day events offer lots of opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests while enjoying our award-winning parks and health, wellbeing, creative and green spaces. All of which can boost your self-confidence and alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. During May, we launch our "Move More Eccles" campaign, which is called "There's a Space for You." Our campaign aims to encourage residents in Eccles, Winton, and Barton to find a space that works for them to stay active, somewhere that they feel safe and motivated to join in. It could be anything from home-based chair yoga for older people, joining like-minded community groups, or exercising with a friend. So, whether it's being more active in your home, joining a local group walk or exploring one of the many parks and public spaces, there is a space for you to get started across Salford." 'There’s a space for you' campaign is part of Salford City Council’s wider Public Health Moving in Salford Strategy and expands on the Move More Salford Campaign. https://www.salford.gov.uk/movemore Please join us in making Mental Health Awareness Week and National Walking Month a memorable one! To find out more information and book onto walks, visit https://gmwalking.co.uk/festival/ Search ‘Salford’. To find traffic free cycling and walking routes, maps and much more in Salford, visit: https://www.salford.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/cycling-and-walking/traffic-free-cycling-and-walking-routes
