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Walking activities in Tameside to help loneliness

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Tameside has a number of walking activities taking place throughout May to support people to take practical steps to address and reduce loneliness.

Millions of people in the UK are affected by loneliness every year and it is a key driver of poor mental health.  

Tameside Council is backing this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, running from Monday 9 May until Sunday 15 May, by encouraging people to take part in the GM (Greater Manchester) Walking Festival and find a walk near them to improve mental health and reduce loneliness in communities.

People can choose to do a short or long, easy or more challenged walk, so there’s something for everyone throughout May in Tameside.

The Mental Health Foundation have been tracking loneliness levels in the UK during the pandemic and found the experience has been much higher with devastating impact.

Loneliness has been an important factor contributing to higher levels of distress, resulting from people’s sense of isolation and reduced ability to connect with others. Further polling also found that loneliness was one of the leading issues that the public felt needed to be addressed.

Walking is seen as a practical and positive step in helping to reduce loneliness and can help improve mental wellbeing.

You can join in the GM Walking Festival by searching for a local walk in Tameside at www.gmwalking.co.uk/festival-routes/

Tameside Council’s Director of Population Health, Debbie Watson, said: “Walking is a great activity and it’s known to improve your mental and physical health. Whether you are looking for a walking route to explore your local area, a fun family activity or want to join a local walking group – there’s never been a better time to get walking in and around Tameside. It’s also a great way of meeting new people, and making friends.

“If you’re new to walking, don’t let that put you off finding a walk.  The GM Walking Festival has a list of walks accessible for people of all abilities, and you can also visit Tameside Council’s website for walks and trails too at www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/walksandtrails.”

For advice and support on dealing with loneliness and to complete a Mind Plan quiz, to get a personalised mental health action plan with practical tips to help you deal with stress, anxiety, low mood and trouble sleeping, plus advice on how to cope with feelings of loneliness - search EveryMindMatters/Loneliness.

Activities and events taking place in and around Tameside during Mental Health Awareness Week, held by Tameside, Oldham and Glossop (TOG) Mind, the Anthony Seddon Centre and Infinity Initiatives, can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/mentalhealthsupport/mhawareness

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