In 2025 we gave Evergreen Active CIC (Walking Fit) a grant for £4,430 to support their physically active walking groups across the district.
Evergreen Active transforms the health and wellbeing of families and communities through positive and active change. They run various different groups across the district including Walking Fit, Family Fit and Running Fit. Managed by Paula Appleton and Andy Freeman, Evergreen Active CIC continues to improve the physical and mental health of attendees to their services as well as bringing vital moments of friendship and connection.
We asked Paula Appleton, Director at Evergreen Active CIC about the impact that attending these walking groups has on the participants;
“Walking is such an under-rated form of exercise in terms of the physical and mental health and well being benefits it provides. But our groups aren’t just about encouraging people to be physically active, they’re just as importantly providing opportunities for connection, support and friendships. People may join on their own but they’re soon coming back for the company and conversations. Many of our participants go on to meet up outside of the walking meets to go for coffee or to other activities. We are like a mobile community centre but with the added benefit of being outdoors. Providing physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing.” Paula Appleton – Director, Evergreen Active CIC
You can read about the fantastic benefits of joining a group walk with Walking Fit here.