7th April is World Health Day, marking the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948. Each year, it shines a light on a health issue affecting people across the globe. This year, the focus is on science, with the theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.”
The Coast Path and Health
At the South West Coast Path Association, we hear countless stories about how much the Path matters to people’s health and wellbeing. Turning those stories into scientific evidence, however, is something else entirely. In 2020, we commissioned the University of Exeter, which found that access to the Coast Path could contribute to £75 million in savings to the NHS, but this possibly underestimates its value, and we hope to update this figure in the future. Alongside this research, we also evaluate our walking groups, but it’s often the personal stories that resonate most.
Fatigue Management Walking Group, Torbay
One such story comes from our Fatigue Management walking group in Torbay, which has been running since the beginning of our Coast Path Connectors project. The group was first championed by Stuart, our initial Project Officer, and later by Tracy, both of whom bring lived experience of the health challenges the group supports.
Meeting once a fortnight, the group takes gentle walks along the Coast Path. Routes are carefully chosen, with plenty of opportunities to pause, rest and take in the surroundings. The group have together explored lots of locations in south Devon, from Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve, Roundham and even Berry Head. More recently the group have teamed up with the National Trust at Coleton Fishacre to explore the grounds following the pathway to Scout Point, which is a great partnership supporting community access to the grounds and encouraging walkers who wouldn’t normally visit the gardens due to their health conditions.
The group is open to people living with long Covid, fibromyalgia and ME, and over time it has grown into something more than just a walking group, it is a supportive and understanding community.
Personal testimonial
Liz, a member of the group shares her experience,
The first time I met Tracy on the walks I instantly felt as ease with her and we chatted about health issues which made me realise that I wasn’t alone. As time has gone on Tracy has moved onto leading the walks. She is always very calm and is considerate to our needs and how we are feeling on the day . Constantly checking in on us . I have a wide group of friends from different stages in my life but these walks have been such a comfort to me and I’m always disappointed when I can’t attend one. I feel safe, understood and not made to feel different. I would just like to say this walking group has impacted immensely on my mental and physical health. Thank you to SWCPA for making this possible and helping me meet other people who understand.
Community Engagement update from Tracy
Tracy Pleece has been the leader of our Coast Path Connectors hub in Torbay, following her initial introduction as a volunteer. In April, Tracy will be relocating to Scotland and we wish her a fond farewell and the best of luck for her future ventures. Tracy leaves us with these parting words of her community engagement experience with the charity,
It has been an absolute pleasure supporting this group as a volunteer and then as the community engagement person for Torbay. Having lived experience of ME/CFS, I have been able to really interact with the walkers and help support them on days when they turn up but are struggling. The group has produced one smaller group of very close friends, who now go on their own short walks and provide support for each other! Building resilience and increasing stamina, but at a properly managed pace, with people who understand, must never be underestimated where activity is concerned, and being outdoors, taking in the views of the sea and with company is the best!
Good luck Tracy and thank you for all you’ve contributed to the community engagement work we do in Torbay.
If you’re interested in joining our Coast Path Connectors walks head to our website where you can find details of upcoming walks.
Each hub has a page that lists the walks specific to each area.
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/coast-path-connectors
The South West Coast Path 