Age Concern Wellington Region received a Golden Foot Walking Award for its innovative Companion Walking Service this week, a perfect way to celebrate the service’s third anniversary.
Living Streets Aotearoa awarded the Golden Foot to Age Concern staff at a special ceremony. The Award this year is made by Global Wood Rework (Wellington) from recycled Rimu.
The New Zealand Walking Awards are held every two years to celebrate and recognise New Zealand achievements for walkers by acknowledging innovative new facilities, highlighting national best practise and rewarding ongoing commitment to walking. The awards are open to all – private companies and public organisations, not-for-profit groups, and community organisations or individuals.
Living Streets Aotearoa judges awarded Age Concern the highest overall points in the Walking category, describing the service as “A great model programme that encourages walking for the aged, and particularly important for those recovering from health issues.”
Ellen Blake from Living Streets Aotearoa said, “The Companion Walking Service reduces social isolation and helps get people back on their feet and out in the community. That’s good for both mental and physical health and wellbeing. We hope this unique service is an inspiration for others to set up similar programmes to help people recover from health issues.”
The Companion Walking Service (CWS) matches trained volunteers with older people who are experiencing reduced mobility, mild cognitive impairment, or a need for companionship. Over 60 client-volunteer pairs around the Wellington Region go out for a weekly walk to improve mobility and gain confidence.
”We’re really pleased to receive this Award,” said Stephen Opie from Age Concern Wellington. “We knew it was a great programme, but it is very special to us for others to recognise this too. The Companion Walking Service helps keep older people active, engaged and living independently.”
Age Concern Wellington Region is glad to contribute to increased access to walking for older people with mobility issues in the Wellington Region. Happy third birthday Companion Walking Service!
If you can walk 200 metres or about 15 minutes, and you would like to know more about the Companion Walking Service, please visit www.acwellington.org.nz or call 04 499 6646.
About Living Streets Aotearoa
Living Streets Aotearoa is the New Zealand organisation for people on foot, promoting walking-friendly communities. They are a nationwide organisation with local branches and affiliates throughout New Zealand. They want more people walking and enjoying public spaces more often, be they young or old, fast or slow, whether walking, sitting, commuting, shopping, between appointments, or out on the streets for exercise, for leisure or for pleasure. Find out more here: https://www.livingstreets.org.nz/
Pictured above: Companion Walking Service Coordinator Lynn Crossland receiving the award from Living Streets Aotearoa member Ellen Blake
Picture below: Golden Foot Walking Award, Community Award made by Global Wood Rework
