Physical Activity for All

The Active Schools & Community Sport Team are committed to providing opportunities for everyone across Moray to be physically active. This includes breaking down barriers for individuals and groups that experience challenges in their efforts to take part in sport. The team are guided by and contribute towards the strategic outcomes identified for Moray in the ‘Local Outcome Improvement Plan’, ‘Corporate Plan’, and ‘Children Services Plan’. The team are also committed to the ‘Changing Lives Through Sport’ initiative, driven via sportscotland. 

The ‘Equality, Diversity & Inclusion’ map below highlights the work currently being undertaken by the team: EDI MAP

---

Additional support need activities

Please have a look at our infographic which shows the number of clubs/groups in the area that provide physical activity and sporting opportunities for people with physical, sensory or learning difficulties in Moray, click on the following link – ASN activities

---

Walk for all round Health with Walk Moray

Evidence suggests that regular physical activity can help maintain or improve physical, social and mental health. Exercising outdoors as part of a social group brings even more benefits to individuals and their communities. Here at Walk Moray we like to think of walking as the perfect exercise!

There are so many reasons why walking is good for you and why you should choose to do more of it:

• Walking is completely free!
• No special equipment or facilities are required
• Walking can be incorporated easily into everyday life
• It is a low risk and accessible exercise – most people can walk at any stage in life
• Walking is great for our physical health including helping to strengthen the softer tissues around our bones which can reduce injury and falls risk
• It can help us to sleep better
• It can help us to manage pain
• Walking is fantastic for our mental health, improving mood and reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms, especially if we can walk in green spaces
• It is social, helping to connect us to other people and our wider community
• It is good for our environment – by choosing to walk more, we reduce air pollution and traffic congestion
• We can also help our local economies by walking more, increasing footfall to local shops and services and encouraging our local authorities to improve our walking spaces

Health walks – what is a health walk?

Health Walks are a supportive and welcoming way for you to start to enjoy the many benefits of being physically active. They are low-level, accessible, fun and social walks, which usually last from 20 minutes to 1 hour. They are led by trained Walk Leaders and completely free!

(Video – What is a Paths for All Health Walk? – YouTube )

*Please note – Walk Leader Training is now completed in a 3.5 hour session*

---

Moray Health & Social Care Partnership

Stay Active , Stay Independent

Growing older doesn’t mean slowing down. Regular activity is one of the most effective ways to improve health, maintain independence, and enjoy a better quality of life. Whether it’s a gentle walk, seated exercise , dancing , bowls or joining a community group like Ball (Be Active Life Long ), every movement counts.

Why it Matters

• Maintain independence
• Reduce risk of falls
• Keep the heart healthy
• Support healthy bones and joints
• Manage long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain
• Boost mental wellbeing
• Maintain a healthy weight

The Social Benefits

Being active isn’t just about exercise – it’s about connecting with others and making new friends for life.

• Reduce loneliness and social isolation
• Build confidence
• Feel part of your local community
• Have fun while improving your health
• Happy. Smiling faces

It’s Never Too Late to Start

No matter your age or fitness level, becoming more active can bring significant health benefits. Small changes, such as walking more, joining a gentle exercise class, or taking part in community activities, can make a real difference.

What are you waiting for – check out our Ageing Well Moray Activities Programme today!

For more information or a friendly chat about your next steps – please email the team CWDevelopmentTeam@moray.gov.uk or call 07779 999261

---

---

Health Walk:

• Is led by a trained volunteer on a risk assessed route
• Is a maximum of 1 hour long
• Welcomes new walkers who would benefit from being more active
• Is a friendly group walk offered regularly
• Is an opportunity to meet new people in your area and explore places
• Is inclusive to all ages and stages of life

Health Walks are for everyone.  They can be aimed at inactive people who would benefit most from doing more physical activity.  This can include people who haven’t been active for a while and would like to start again, people recovering from ill health, managing a long-term condition or have been advised by a health professional that they would benefit from being more active.  Health walks may also support individuals who have become socially isolated and anyone who could benefit from improved mental health. Health walks can be set up for different reasons in different settings for people of all ages and stages of life.

Walk Moray currently have 18 different Health Walks all across Moray, including 2 evening walks! If you would like to attend a Health Walk or help us to increase and diversify the number of Health Walk opportunities in Moray by training to become a Walk Leader volunteer, please contact Morgan Mckay our Health Walk Coordinator:

Morgan.mckay3@nhs.scot / 07976472156 / https://www.facebook.com/walkmoray/