A green-gingered Lanarkshire group has been recognised for their contribution to tackling environmental and economic challenges with a prestigious national accolade.
Glenboig Development Trust has been named the winner of the Active Travel Group of the Year at Paths for All’s Volunteer Awards 2022.
The 45-strong group strive to tackle challenges related to the environment, economy and health and wellbeing within the village of Glenboig, introducing walking and cycling initiatives to encourage locals to be active.
One of their main projects is a walking bus which is designed to get pupils to primary school in a safe and environmentally friendly way and has reduced an average of 91 car journeys and covered 5082 miles during individual 6468 walks since 2019.
Senior care manager Christine McNally told Lanarkshire Live : “The group has been grateful to benefit from Paths for All’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Open Fund in recent years which has played an important part in creating multiple high impact walking and cycling initiatives bringing real value to the community.
“This award is a fantastic recognition for our brilliant team of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to create a sustainable legacy of active travel initiatives that will bring many mental, physical, social and environmental benefits for years to come.
“The initiatives hope to encourage a diverse range of individuals to change their behaviours to walk or cycle as part of their everyday short journeys.
“The walking bus has been one of our most successful initiatives and has been instrumental in tackling the problems of car congestion outside schools, which we are extremely proud of.”
Glenboig Development Trust was commended at Paths for All’s prestigious annual awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.
Hosted by presenter Fiona Stalker and sponsored by Paul MacLennan MSP, the event recognised 11 groups and individuals throughout Scotland who have gone the extra mile to keep their communities active.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd has championed the awards, saying: “Encouraging and supporting people in Scotland to walk and wheel is a key part of our vision of a country where more people are more active more often.
“A huge number of highly motivated and skilled people are helping us deliver this vision, not least the passionate and dedicated volunteers who do so much to help others overcome challenges to participation.
“They are an inspiration and I am delighted that their contribution is being recognised by Paths for All in these Awards.”
Mr McLennan MSP added: “My congratulations go the inspiring group of volunteers awarded on the evening.
“The range of talent across the country is extremely impressive, and this is reflected in the passion of all the volunteers towards supporting health, wellbeing, social inclusion and the many other benefits of getting out and about.
“I’d like to commend the work of the volunteers and the team at Paths for All for going above and beyond to promote active travel and leisure. I look forward to seeing what the next year brings.”
Kevin Lafferty, chief executive officer at Paths for All, said: “Groups like the Glenboig Community Trust represent exactly why we host the award ceremony every year.
“Giving your time and energy to a cause without financial reward may seem like a big ask but our volunteers continually go above and beyond in local communities across Scotland and never fail to make it look effortless. Even though we all know an immense amount of work goes on behind the scenes.
“The work carried out by volunteers is directly improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health, reducing social isolation and loneliness and helping people make more environmentally friendly lifestyle choices.
“Our volunteers’ stories are always inspiring - and this year seems that little more exceptional knowing how many challenges have been faced along the way. Thank you to everyone for their efforts and ongoing dedication.”
To find out more about Paths for All Health Walks you can join in Lanarkshire, visit here.
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