New campaign for Newby and Scalby to help prevent isolation of residents
The Parish Council has started its 'Walk and 'Talk' scheme
A new campaign has started in Newby and Scalby to help prevent isolation of people who live there.
The Parish Council is looking for residents to take part in 'Walk and Talk' and also for those who need it to get in touch.
It is hoped it will improve people's physical and mental health.
Helen King, Head of Hub and Community Services at the authority, said:
"After the pandemic we find that there's a lot of people who've lost confidence in getting back out in the community. The idea of this is that people can buddy up with one of our volunteers who'll go out with them for a walk just really to get them back in the community.
"It brings together both social interaction and nature which are two proven health and wellbeing benefits. It increases physical and cardiovascular health and decreases depression and anxiety. So the two together empowers people with confidence to get people back in the community.
"It breaks down some of the barriers that people often fear when sat in a room one-to-one with somebody. You're outside, you're looking at the surrounding areas and it opens up conversation. So we have been approached by people that have struggled with confidence in getting back to the community.
"We hope to develop a scheme where volunteers can match with clients that are needing the support at times to suit. So it can be at all times of day, it can be for half an hour or an hour and we're hoping to buddy up people with similiar interests so there is conversation to start with.
"Initially we've been funded for 12 months by Sirius Minerals Foundation for this project to whom we're internally grateful to be able to do it. So this is our pilot scheme to see how successful it is and from there we will develop either more networks and sort of redevelop the group as it goes along."