Boost your confidence, improve your mental and physical health, and make new friends — all by going for a short walk.

Research indicates that many long term health conditions improve with gentle exercise, which is why Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support have teamed up with many local volunteers nationwide through Walking for Health to deliver short walks in their communities.

Rosemary Aldgate is a walk leader at Kennington Health Walks and is hoping people will get out and about and regularly stroll with them.

She explains: “Making those first steps to getting out and feeling well again is a big challenge; as big as running a marathon.

“We are encouraging people to get back into walking especially if they are managing a long term health problem.

“Perhaps you know someone who is no longer sure how far they can walk and is worried about risking a fall and making things worse. “They may be feeling isolated, down and bored.

“We hope to attract those who need exercise most to these gentle strolls; the aim is to start by keeping the walks short and gentle gradually increasing distance and pace as people progress. Walking is possibly the perfect exercise, giving so many benefits to health and well-being — and it’s free!

“To sustain these short strolls over the longer term, Health Walks needs supportive volunteers who are willing to help with the walks. Walking assistants need not be especially fit themselves, in fact it helps if you have personal experience of managing a long-term health condition and appreciate the impact that can have on your life.”

One of the regular walkers at Kennington said: “I enjoy walking around the field as it’s a quiet open space. I can do as much or as little as I feel like on the day, so far I have done three laps but hope to do more. It’s good to walk and talk, I don’t notice the exercise. “Tea afterwards is good as we can get to know each other better.”

If you would enjoy a gentle stroll in Kennington, or want to help out as a much-needed volunteer walk leader or walks assistant to provide support for people taking a short walk, please contact Rosemary Aldgate by email rosemary@gardneraldgate.demon.co.uk or call 01865 735419.

To find out about other local health walks near you visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk and use the walk finder using your postcode.