Paths for All

It was great to see the launch of Living Streets' new #PedestrianPound report in Edinburgh today! The findings highlight the economic benefits of walkable streets, showing that pedestrians give a boost to local businesses. Our Chief Executive Kevin Lafferty was delighted to participate in the panel discussion to share these important insights. Supporting people to walk and wheel in towns and communities is crucial - it's good for local economies, connected communities, health and wellbeing, and the environment. This research provides strong evidence to make the case for more accessible and inclusive walking infrastructure in Scotland. Well done to the Living Streets team for bringing together experts to discuss these impactful findings. We're looking forward to seeing how this research drives positive change.

Better you, better business, better planet 🌍 A workplace which encourages movement throughout the working day has been shown to boost morale, reduce stress and anxiety, improve staff retention and creates a happier, productive team ✨ Participants’ weekly activity levels improved too! 🚶 1 hour 49 minutes increase in walking for transport 👣 55 minutes increase in walking for leisure 😱 6 hours 8 minutes decrease in sitting Find out more and sign up before Monday, 4th November! 🔗 https://lght.ly/obk902p #StepCountChallenge #WalkAtWork

👣 Happy team, healthy mind, greener workplace - one step at a time! 🏆 📣 There's only one week to go before our autumn Step Count Challenge begins. Hundreds of teams across Scotland have already signed up to take part! Our four-week fun-filled #WorkplaceWalking challenge invites you to explore new ways to get active during the working day. We'll share inspirational blogs and useful tips and tools to help you rack up and record your daily steps for that leader board top spot! Make sure you're one of the winning team - don't miss out! Register now 👉 https://lght.ly/ben0nfn

🚶 Delivered on the stunning University of Stirling campus, visitors to our #ScienceOfSteps event enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the benefits of regular #physicalactivity and the positive impact of our #StepCountChallenge on health and wellbeing. The event is part of the ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council Festival of Social Science, with over 300 events taking place across the UK until the Saturday, 9th November. To put research into practice, guests were invited to take a self-led walk or wheel around a campus loch bathed in glorious autumn colours, connect with nature in creative ways with a "nature compass" and chat with staff and volunteers about the research and findings 🍁 Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/g3b--vYd Explore the Festival of Social Science here: https://lnkd.in/exDrUxMg University of St Andrews #FestivalOfSocialScience #EverydayWalking #ActiveCommunities #NatureConnectedness

Every step counts - and taking that first small step is the key to change! Our autumn #StepCountChallenge begins on Monday, 4th November Break up those long periods at the desk, get energised and build confidence in moving throughout the work day. Moving more during the day can improve mental wellbeing, reduces the risk of serious health conditions and boosts brain, heart and muscle health! With less than two weeks to go, now is the time to grab your teammates, slip on those favourite walking shoes and bring the fitness tracker to full charge! Sign up now! www.stepcount.org.uk #WorkplaceWalking #EverydayWalking

This week, a small cohort of our team are attending the Walk21 Foundation conference in Lisbon. We're delighted to be part of the international conversations centred on creating and nurturing #walking societies. The event brings together experts from across the world, to explore the importance of pedestrian mobility, health and transformation of public space are at the heart of the week. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to make everyday active journeys in a way that is easy and accessible for them. Through collaboration, sharing learning and insights, we can improve pedestrian safety, transform urban spaces, enhance walking and wheeling opportunities and work toward key climate goals. Stay tuned for more updates from our team. Find you more about the conference here: https://lght.ly/looe2la #EverybodyWalks #EverydayWalking #ActiveCommunities

📣 Did you know that moving more during the working day is as good for your mind as it is for your body? 🧠 #Walking or wheeling to and from the workplace, or during the day if #workingfromhome can reduce tension and stress, boosts energy levels and increases motivation and focus. It also affords you valuable time away from your desk, to breathe and relax 🚶✨ Finding balance between productivity and personal wellbeing isn't always easy, which is why we're supporting workplaces across Scotland to move more with our #WalkingWorkplaces programme 🏆💻🎉 Activities include our #StepCountChallenge, #WalkAtWorkAward and group walks with colleagues, to name a few! Read more: https://lght.ly/l1j936d #WorldMentalHealthDay #EverydayWalking #WalkAtWork

As part of our ongoing body of work around equality and inclusion, we’ve been speaking to members of the LGBTQIA+ community about what #walking means to them. Jennifer, a volunteer with @LEAPsports, joined our Rainbow Walk & Conversation Café in June, delivered in partnership with LEAP Sports as part of their 2024 annual Festival Fortnight celebrations. In our newest blog, Jennifer shares her experience of #volunteering and the importance of participation in #physicalactivity for community, identity, and the benefits to health and wellbeing. Read more here: https://lght.ly/j02n5bo #EverydayWalking #ActiveCommunities

This week is #WorkLifeWeek! We're #walking (and wheeling!) the talk, and taking small steps to keep ourselves active, happy and healthy. A small group of our staff ditched the desk at lunchtime, in favour of a short #walk by the River Forth. Our stroll offered us a valuable and relaxed opportunity to have a blether, connect with nature and get to know Sophie and Calum - the newest members of our team. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy the flexibility to get up, out and on the move. Whether it's a walking meeting, a phone call or a wander during your lunch break, regular #physicalactivity can do wonders to your mental, physical and social wellbeing. Boost your morale, take time to plan and reflect, or simply enjoy the sun (or rain!), the sounds of nature or your favourite podcast! #WorkLifeWeek #WorkplaceWalking #WalkAtWork Working Families

This Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, we're exploring how walking can empower women at every stage of life. 🚶♀️💪 Our Head of Walking Delivery, Kirsty Rankin, shares her passionate perspective on prioritising walking and physical activity for women's health. From teenagers to older adults, Kirsty explains how this simple activity can have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and social wellbeing. In her blog, Kirsty also celebrates the incredible female leaders across Scotland who are inspiring and enabling others to get active through walking. These local heroes are changing lives in their communities! Read the full post here: https://lght.ly/na5dg2 #SheCanSheWill #LetsMoveTogether