Denton MP Andrew Gwynne has shown his support for the Walk to School Week campaign.
Walk to School Week, which is set to run from today (17-21), has been organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday waking. This campaign aims to encourage families to walk, wheel, cycle, or scoot to school and see the big differences that come from small steps.
From healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates, this project will shine a light on the many benefits that can come from taking the extra time to make your own way to school.
Living Streets have been campaigning for a better walking environment for over 90 years and were behind the UK’s first zebra crossings and speed limits. Today they campaign for better streets while working with schools, communities and workplaces to get people walking.
🥳 Happy #WalkToSchoolWeek!
— Living Streets (@livingstreets) May 17, 2021
💪🏾 On Day 1, we're celebrating the physical health benefits of walking to school. Introducing... Super Strong!
📸 Don't forget to share your snaps with us! #MondayMotivation #WalkingSuperpowers https://t.co/hTYVgppoxH pic.twitter.com/mFxBmGUC3M
MP Gwynne has shared his enthusiasm for this project, speaking on how he hopes local families will get involved.
“Walking reduces congestion, improve road safety and means we have cleaner air.
“I’ve backed initiatives in Greater Manchester to improve walking and cycling routes, so am delighted to be supporting this campaign.
“I hope lots of families in Audenshaw, Denton, Dukinfield, Reddish and the Heatons make the most out of Walk to School Week.”
So how can you ensure that you get your steps in this week while also providing valuable lessons for your children?
Keep it brisk
Walking to school is beneficial for parents as well as children and enjoying the mental and physical health benefits of walking to school are at the heart of Walk to School Week.
Briskly walking to school, rather than travelling by car or public transport, helps children to feel fitter and happier. A good way to keep children entertained on walks is to engage in a discussion with them on their trip to school around what they can see and what do they enjoy on their journey.
Track your route
Maps and satellite images can be a great way to plan new walking routes, find and measure regular walking routes and describe journeys using compass directions.
Tracking your routes can also be a great way to hold yourself accountable, having the evidence of your activity can motivate you to keep on your efforts!
Time gone by
Linking Walk to School Week with local history by challenging youngsters to identify local landmarks on their walk. Do they notice the year in which houses were built? Do you pass any homes of British History Heroes?
Explore the natural world
Walk to School Week links brilliantly with exploring nature. Encourage your children to start a small scrapbook to record information about plants and animal species.
This could include photos, plant sprigs, sketches or tables to record plant growth throughout the week. You could also encourage children to keep walking throughout the year by earning about what can be observed outside as the seasons change.
It’s clearer now, than ever, that promoting exercise and reducing travel by car in particular is vital for children’s health and wellbeing.
Mary Creagh, Chief Executive of Living Streets, said: “Walk to School Week is a fun, inclusive, free and simple activity, which improved the physical and mental wellbeing of children and celebrates walking for all.
“Pupils enjoy the health and happiness that comes from walking, while schools and local communities enjoy reduced congestion and pollution.
“We’re thrilled that families nationwide are joining us this week and enjoying the fresh air, fun, freedom, and friendship that walking to school brings.”
More information on this can be found on Living Street's website here
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