Malvern: Sole Mates - West Midlands

The population (as defined by the Malvern Hills District Council boundaries) is older than average for the county, and though Malvern is quite affluent generally, there are pockets of deprivation and lone pensioner households. This engenders depression and dementia in addition to other problems.

With a view to improving the health, energy levels, fitness and social interaction of the community, the Malvern Hills Primary Care Group, through the implementation of the Health Improvement Programme, instigated a scheme of led and independent walks which was launched with due publicity on 5th November 2001.

To further promote the scheme 6 leaflets describing 6 walks with maps have been produced, and are being distributed to the local surgeries, St Mary's Church, Sherrards Green, the local pub, football/cricket/rugby &Qinetiq clubs, Safeways and Kwik Save.

Since the launch there have been twice weekly walks from the Pickersleigh Centre, with the exception of two days, one of which when the walk was cut short due to thunder and lightning. So far the number of walkers is small.

Walks take place every Wednesday at 2pm and every Friday at 10 am.  Most walks start from the Pickersleigh Centre but please check with walk leaders before turning up as some walks start from alternate points.

Supported by the Worcestershire Walking Network.