Community groups in Fishergate are working together to launch an innovative walking scheme to support older and isolated people living in the area to get out and enjoy their local community.
And they are searching for volunteers to help.
The project, named Fishergate Footprints, will enable residents to enjoy their local neighbourhood. In particular, giving opportunities to residents who may have limited mobility or live alone and lack the confidence to get out, along with new parents, carers of pre-school children and anyone who wants to meet others and enjoy going for walks in Fishergate.
Walking is a gentle, but ideal, way to feel connected to your local area. Through it you meet other people, stay physically and mentally active and live a happier, healthier life.
Fishergate Footprints will be a series of walking trails and link to scheduled guided walks covering much loved Fishergate areas including the New Walk, Danesmead Wood, Fulford Cross, York Cemetery, Low Moor Allotments, Fenby Field and Walmgate Stray.
Of varying lengths, from 15 minutes up to an hour long, the walks will include key landmarks and features of the built environment, as well as wildlife and nature to look out for. Also featuring, in the accompanying app, will be personal anecdotes about the area from long-time Fishergate residents, bringing the rich history of the neighbourhood alive.
Some walks will be specifically suitable for people with limited mobility and other routes will be accessible for scooters capable of travelling over rough ground. The project will explore links to groups that already facilitate organised walks in the local area, helping them increase their offer and extend their reach.
To bring the project to life, Fishergate Footprints needs local volunteers to help in all aspects of the project, specifically:
– Residents who can share their favourite local walks and stories about the Fishergate area
– People to help research the walks
– Walkers to trial the walks
Full training and support will be provided.
Volunteering is known to be a fun and rewarding way to meet new people and a guaranteed way to feel good about yourself.
Fishergate Footprints will be downloadable online from community websites, available in leaflet form from local shops/cafes and surgeries, and accessed through an app.
This collaborative partnership between YUMI, BANF, Friends of Danesmead Wood, Friends of New Walk, Fulford Cross Allotments, Low Moor Allotments and York Cemetery will bring a renewed feeling of community and wellbeing throughout Fishergate.
If you want to share your personal stories of Fishergate or help others get out and enjoy the local area please contact Sara Mairs:
Sara@yumiyork.org or call 07944 911093.
Follow it all on Twitter & Facebook: @YUMIyork
