An Aberdeen partnership makes a return with its popular initiative – Step out September – designed to combat social isolation and inspire people to get active.

Individuals of all ages and abilities from across the city are invited to take part in safe and local walks, meet new people, and improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.

Step out September is a partnership project between Sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP), RGU SPORT, Aberdeen Sports Village and Aberdeen FC Community Trust.

The named partners collaborate in a wider movement ‘Stay Well Stay Connected’ – a group established to promote enhanced health and wellbeing, develop meaningful community relationships by bringing people together and improve diversity and inclusion practice.

A range of gentle social walks will take place from 18 to 26 September 2022 with the purpose of connecting people and enabling them to enjoy Aberdeen’s open spaces.

Everyone is welcome – individuals who use a wheelchair, walking aids or have a child in a buggy are invited along. No special equipment is required, but participants are encouraged to bring a jacket and wear comfortable shoes.

Andrinne Craig, Sport Aberdeen Healthy Communities Manager, said: “We are so excited that Step out September is returning for a second time as it was so well received last year!

“We have a full timetable of social walks designed to break down barriers and ensure everyone in Aberdeen, regardless of age or ability, can get active and connect with others. A memories walk, buggy walks and menopause walks are new to our 2022 timetable.

“Many people enjoyed walking outdoors during the pandemic, not only for exercise purposes but to connect with the outdoors and their local community. 

“It is our hope that Step out September will help people connect with their local social walking group and act as a starting point for people to come along once and then take part regularly if they wish.”

Emma Hunter, Operations Manager at Aberdeen FC Community Trust, said: “Aberdeen FC Community Trust is delighted to be part of the initiative and with the focus being on social isolation and health and wellbeing, these are key objectives that we aim to support our local community with.

“Our long-standing health walks are delivered by our fully trained health and wellbeing team and are a great first step into gentle exercise for anyone. We vary our walk destinations and one of the highlights is stopping off for a cuppa and a blether with friendly like-minded people.

“It’s the perfect motivation to get out and explore the local area while getting the body moving and activating the mind. We can’t wait to see some new participants and as always, they will be welcomed with open arms.”

The full timetable of walks and further information on the Step out September initiative can be found here.