Free libraries programme gets borough’s adults ‘Walking For Health’

Rochdale Borough Council and Link4Life’s Walking For Health programme has been challenging adults in the borough to be more active and engage with their local libraries in Spotland, Middleton, Littleborough and Heywood.

Walkers embark on a 45-minute route from their local library before returning and participating in a ‘Walk and Talk’ social activity, where attendees can find out about other library activities, browse for books to borrow or just have a chat. 

Councillor Neil Emmott, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Neighbourhoods, said: “Initiatives and activities like this which engage with local people in such a positive manner are so important to our borough. It is fantastic that we are able to promote our libraries to residents while offering them a route towards boosting their health and wellbeing.”

Councillor Cecile Biant, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale Borough Libraries already play a very important role in our community and it is fantastic to see them being utilised in this way, as a means of helping keep local adults fit and healthy.”

The initial programme has been running over the last four weeks and three dates remain on the initial schedule. It’s completely free to attend and no pre-booking is required.

Further dates may be added subject to the success of the initial cycle.

Walking For Health has been funded by Link4Life’s Activ8te ME Programme, which is an initiative designed to encourage adults to participate in physical activity once a week.

Remaining walks:

Mondays 21 July and 28 July, 10am
Heywood Library
Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw M C Way
Heywood OL10 1LL

Tuesday 22 July, 10am
Littleborough Library
Hare Hill Park
Littleborough OL15 9HE

Maps and directions to the libraries are available on the Rochdale Borough Council website: http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/library_services