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Are you looking to organise a walking group? Do you want to promote the benefits of a GM Daily Mile to your group members or service users? Step into this toolkit. It is packed with information, tips and guidance to help you plan and deliver a positive GM Daily Mile walking experience and help you to promote the benefits of a GM Daily Mile to your users. This toolkit includes all the resources you will need to achieve your goal.
The toolkit is divided into 6 sections;
You may be looking to
• Set up a walking group to be led by you or a colleague
• Set up a walking opportunity to be self-managed by the walkers
• Promote the benefits of walking to group members/service users
• Support others to establish a GM Daily Mile walk for your users
The GM Walking 7 Steps to Success Guide will help you to achieve your vision. It includes further information, tips and useful links on the following 7 steps;
Check out free Apps and Websites to help you to Work Out a Mile and can help you to Plan a Walking Route if you need some support or inspiration. The Go Jauntly app has some walks specific to Greater Manchester- check it out here.
Working out how far a mile is or how far you have walked isn’t always easy. Why not try these ideas to help you;
• At a steady pace a mile is about 20 minutes walking. Time yourself walking
• You can use free technology on your phone to help count your steps. A mile is about 2,000 steps.
• Decide how long you want to walk for, set a timer on your phone for half that time. When the alarm rings, turn around and walk back to the start.
• Build up to walking 10 minutes there and 10 minutes back. This will be roughly a mile.
One way to encourage walking is to share the positive outcomes of walking a GM Daily Mile. Remember it only takes about 20 minutes to walk a mile or is about 2000 steps, walking supports physical, emotional & mental wellbeing too.
Walking supports each of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, developed by the New Economics Foundation (2008) and used by many local, regional and nationals community & health organisations across the UK.
The five evidenced-based actions are designed to improve personal wellbeing, these are;
Let’s see how walking can can support each of these.
How a GM Daily Mile supports The Five Ways to Wellbeing
The best ways to promote a GM Daily Mile Walk will vary from group to group. A combination of promotional methods works well, we have developed some tools to help you.
Getting the messaging right
Customise this poster template to display in shops, doctors or local venues-using a variety of places will increase your reach. (There is space for your logo to be added to this download too if you wish.)
Download posterChoosing the sweet spots to reach your target group.
The GM Walking Staying Motivated Guide will help to motivate walkers and provides tips & ideas about the following;
Walking provides a great opportunity to learn & see new things, to visit new places and a chance to explore.
Download these engaging activity sheets:
Use the I Can See It Bingo sheet and see how many of the treasures you can spot on your walk.
• Tick them off as you see them. Aim for a complete line, column or a full house of ticks.
• Maybe compete against another person, group or family.
• You could use the blank template to create your own treasure hunt too.
If walking with others who might enjoy some activities along the way, try the GM Daily Mile activity sheets to help to explore and learn from the environment.
This download has GM Daily Mile I Spy, Shape Detectives and Colour Detectives activities for you to try on your walks
Remember to celebrate progress and success. Celebrating winners of challenges can be great but also consider celebrating progress too, such as consistency of walkers, new walkers or those who recruit new walkers. But only if they want the recognition!
Be proud, celebrate and continue your good work.
#GMDailyMile