Walk Derbyshire – Erewash Community Development Officer

Parkside High CIC are working with a range of local partners who have formed a consortium and collectively are looking at ways to increase levels of walking in Cotmanhay. This will be done by engaging young people and adults to develop a more positive relationship towards walking within the community. The work is part of an initiative called ‘Walk Derbyshire’ which aims to create a culture of walking across the county and make every day walking the norm whether that’s to the shops, school, work or for pleasure. See www.walkderbyshire.org.uk Consortia partners have been researching, planning and developing an outline plan for the project during 2023 and are now ready to employ a Walk Derbyshire Erewash Community Development Officer to take this out into the community of Cotmanhay. This is a ‘listen/learn and try’ project where new solutions to encourage walking will be shaped with and by local residents and Walk Derbyshire consortia partners to discover what works and what doesn’t. The project will promote walking opportunities in and around the Cotmanhay area, create a walking culture that encourages everyday healthier choices, and provide support and information on local events and supported walking. Continued development of new and existing relationships with local groups, schools, charities and the local authority will be key to developing ideas that help create safer walking spaces (pathways & lighting) and help promote walking as part of residents everyday lives. Key areas of focus will be access, community safety and supported walking and volunteer opportunities. The direction of the project will be co-created with local people at the heart of decision making. Priority groups will include people with limited illnesses and disabilities, children and young people and also linked into employability. The aim is to create an environment where all parts of the public sector (transport, health, housing, planning, and education) work together with the voluntary sector and the community to help make walking as accessible as possible.