Celebrating its fifth birthday this year, local Trafford charity, the #MileShyClub, a beginner running club, branched out into walking groups last week.

With running clubs located in Sale, Urmston, Partington, Old Trafford and Stretford, the volunteer coaches at the club voted last year to further expand into beginner walking groups, to help those most impacted by the covid pandemic.

With Trafford Housing Trust funding the majority of the 18-month project, Trafford Council and Greater Sport have also provided financial support.

Teaming up with Blu Sci, Voice of BME Trafford, Age UK Trafford and the Pakistani Resource Centre, the new beginner walking groups are aimed at those rebuilding confidence, trying to get active whilst living with a long-term health condition or long covid, or coming back into the community.

#MileShyClub CEO Jane Dennison is leading on the project and said, "We have a really supportive bunch of people working in Trafford to help people come back after lockdown, and it has been really great to see such a positive response to these walking groups. This collaborative response means we can provide a much-needed tailored approach to getting active in each of the areas. Our existing relationships with other organisations means we can signpost our walkers to other ways to get active and social too!"

Sessions take place in Sale, Partington, Stretford and two in Old Trafford. Sessions include a mobility and stretching warm up working on balance and coordination, a gentle walk of up to a mile depending on ability, and cool down stretches. Walks are followed with optional tea and coffee afterwards and are priced at £2 to ensure longevity of the offer.

To find out more, visit: https://www.mileshyclub.com/referralformwalking