The Tameside Radio presenter writes about a new trial scheme announced by the government this week to improve people's mental and physical health.

As I write, it's already pretty dark outside, and it's only just gone half past eight. This year's Blackpool Illuminations are being switched on next week, and after the forthcoming Bank Holiday sunshine (if the Tameside Radio weather forecast is accurate!), it's pretty much the beginning of thhe countdown to Christmas.

This year has gone past in the blink of an eye so far, and I've not even had my summer holiday yet. In fact, I've got my first full week off work since May 2019 coming up in a fortnight. I will almost certainly have microphone withdrawal symptoms, but am sure the sea air, pile of books and real ale will act as a calming balm.

I wrote last week about the bravery of admitting you're not OK, and looking after your mental health. I was really interested to read this week that the Department of Transport has announced that eleven areas of the country are set to trial a new scheme to improve mental and physical health, which involves local GPs handing out prescriptions for walking and cycling. £12.7 million will be spent in total, including cycle loans, adult cycle training and a walk leader programme, and the aim of all of this is to get people out and about more who might benefit from more exercise.

Walking and Cycling Minister Trudy Harrison (yes, that is really her job title!) said: "Walking and cycling has so many benefits - from improving air quality in our communities to reducing congestion on our busiest streets. It also has an enormous impact on physical and mental health, which is why we have funded these projects that will get people across the country moving and ease the burden on our NHS."

Although sadly my lovely racing green bicycle has only moved once since the start of the pandemic (down the hill to the bike shop for a full service, then back up the hill with me swearing under my breath at how unfit I have become), I have been making a concerted effort to move more since getting a free Fitbit with my phone upgrade a year ago. In fact, I've become a little obsessed with hitting my 10,000 daily steps. I have been known to do an extra trip to the bin on an evening to get to my goal. Or walk around the house whilst chatting on the phone.

To be honest, even if I just take my usual circular walk around the block, I always feel better for it. Landmarks include a snarling dog a couple of streets down who always tries to bust out of the gate and chase me down the road, my local corner shop with its tempting range of chocolate bars which I try to swerve, and my local park full of pretty trees and occasionally a game of tennis being played.

I've noticed I bump into far fewer people in recent months. I guess part of that is down to summer holidays, but I also note that traffic levels are pretty much back to pre-pandemic levels. It suggests to me that more of us are sedentary than back in the days of lockdown, when a daily walk felt like a treat.

On balance, I think these government proposals sound pretty sensible. Moving more is undoubtedly beneficial to mental health and, whilst it's not the magic solution to everything, I don't think it's a bad thing to encourage us to be more active as a nation. We could also do with a proper junk food strategy, more special offers in the supermarkets on fruit and vegetables and many other things besides, but I'm sure Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak will have a pretty full inbox on 6 September as it is.

We could also do with a conversation about the extraordinary level of vitriol aimed at cyclists in pretty much any discussion about them on social media, but I'm not sure I'm ready to poke that hornet's nest this week. Some want bikes to have number plates and insurance, but in my mind, a motor vehicle can do far more damage than a bicycle. Not taking sides, as I've worn both hats, but I think we all need to calm down and respect each other's space on the road.

To be fair, I feel lovely and calm after my evening walk earlier, plus had a cracking trip on Tuesday to Yorkshire Sculpture Park with my wife and parents. It really is a terrific spot for fresh air and getting those steps in. Give it a whirl and feel yourself get calmer! That's my prescription for you.

You can listen to Alex every weekday from 7am to 11am and on the 'Super Scoreboard' show on Saturdays from 3pm to 7pm, on Tameside Radio 103.6FM. Read more of Alex's recent columns here. 

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