Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has welcomed the launch of the Walking for All programme. The initiative receives €7.5 million from the Special EU Programmes Body under PEACEPLUS. Outscape leads the effort across rural areas in Northern Ireland and border counties.

The programme targets over 14,000 participants with accessible led walking activities. It delivers short regular walks in local community spaces for adults of all ages backgrounds and abilities. Sixteen Walking for All Officers coordinate the work and train Walk Leaders to form nearly 600 walking groups over three years.

Carla Adams serves as the Walking for All Officer for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. She supports walking groups in the council area with local communities. Partner organisations include 8 local authorities the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and 6 Local Sports Partnerships. Associate partners are Sport Ireland Mountaineering Ireland and the Public Health Agency.

Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA stated his department partners with DRCDG and SEUPB to fund the project. He noted it strengthens rural community bonds through volunteer-led experiences.

Gina McIntyre CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body said the programme creates opportunities for health confidence and connection in rural areas without easy sports facility access.

Gareth Moore Head of Participation at Outscape said the programme enables people of all ages and abilities to join supported walking groups to increase activity and reduce isolation.

Dawson Stelfox Chair of Outscape said the programme invests in community health with locally led walks that improve wellbeing and ties.