WALK leaders from the Dumfries and Galloway Walking Project celebrated their second anniversary last Thursday evening.
Taking place at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries, over 30 volunteers from throughout the projects two-year history attended.
The organisers, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Active Communities team, recognised the efforts of the volunteers by presenting them all with new body warmers to ensure they are warm on their walks. Over the past two years the walking project has been funded by Paths for All.
Though this funding is about to come to an end, it has secured dedicated officer time which has enabled support for existing walks and training additional walk leaders. This development has increased the number of walks across the region from four to 18 weekly walks.
Paths for all development officer for Dumfries and Galloway, Paulina Zawisk, attended the event and was extremely impressed by the enthusiasm of the walk leaders, organisers and the development of the project so far.
Chair of communities committee, councillor Ian Blake said: “It was great to meet our walk leader volunteers and acknowledge their efforts first hand.
“They are delivering a range of fantastic walks from Langholm to Stranraer. I am hopeful that the project will receive more funding to sustain the good work already achieved by the DG Walking Project.
“Initiatives like this will help people live healthier and more independent lives as well as enhancing much needed social interaction.”
Vice chair, councillor Jackie McCamon said: “It was a great opportunity to recognise the wonderful work and meet many of the walk leader volunteers that deliver varied led walks across our region which form part of the wider Active Communities programme.
“I would be keen to see additional funding from Paths for All to expand the DG Walking Project.
“I would like to thank the volunteer walk leaders for their time and efforts in supporting the health and wellbeing of the people we serve.”
The DG Walking Project are always looking for new walk leader volunteers. Anyone interested in becoming a walk leader with DG Walking Project can email [email protected].
