A short-walks walking group has been launched in Mansfield to help ease inactive people into gentle exercise.

More Leisure Community Trust — which operates the Rebecca Adlington Leisure Centre, Water Meadows Leisure Complex, and Oak Tree Leisure Centre, in partnership with Serco Leisure and on behalf of Mansfield District Council — started the group after research found more than 40% of people in tthe Mansfield district don’t walk for more than 10 minutes at a time in a month.

The group has three sessions a week — starting at Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Mansfield, on Mondays; the Carrs, Warsop, on Tuesdays; and Water Meadows Leisure Complex, Mansfield, on Wednesdays. All walks start off at 2pm.

The walks have been launched via the trust’s Active Communities programme, which is overseen by Carolyn Hallam, health and wellbeing manager.

“We have identified a need for shorter, gentle walks, so ours last around 30-45 minutes and are ideal for those who want to get out and about, enjoy the fresh air, and have a chat, but don’t feel ready for the longer sessions offered by other walking groups,” she said.

“The walks are free to attend, and each location has a car park. People can purchase refreshments at Oak Tree Leisure Centre and Water Meadows Leisure Complex, where there are also toilet facilities. There’s no need to book. Just turn up in comfortable footwear, ready for whatever weather we’re getting that day, and let’s go for a gentle stroll around Mansfield.”

Coun Angie Jackson, portfolio holder for Wellbeing, Health and Safer Communities, added: “Too often in the rush of modern life it can be easy to forget that sometimes you need to pause, recharge.”

For more information contact Carolyn on 07718 194711 or email [email protected]