Pupils across Wales take steps to be healthier and happier

Pupils at schools across Wales joined children and families across the UK last week to take part in Walk to School Week (16-20 May), a five-day walking challenge during National Walking Month.

Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, and aims to get pupils and parents enjoying the many health and social benefits that walking to school brings.

Strider, the Living Streets mascot, travelled across Wales during Walk to School Week to meet pupils who were swapping four wheels for two feet and walking to school. Strider started the week in Caerphilly on Monday before moving on to Blaneau Gwent on Tuesday, Cardiff on Wednesday, Neath on Thursday and ending the week in Bridgend on Friday.

Currently one in three children leaves primary school obese or overweight and inactivity is costing the Welsh NHS £650 million a year. Walk to School Week is a great place to start getting children more active and can lead to year-round activity.

Rachel Maycock, Living Streets Cymru Manager, said:

“We’re really happy that schools across Wales took part in Walk to School Week. Walking to school is an easy and free way for children to get more active and stay healthy.

“Just because the week of celebration is over, it doesn’t mean families have to stop and we hope families in Wales will be encouraged to continue walking. WOW – our year-round walk to school challenge, allows children to experience the mental and physical health benefits of walking all year-round. WOW has been proven to increase the number of children walking to school and – most importantly – pupils love taking part.

“A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s Walk to School Week – with your help we’ll get more children experiencing a healthy and happy walk to school.

Mrs Sharon Davies, Headteacher, Ysgol y Lawnt, said:

“Pupils, staff and parents make every effort to walk to school thus promoting well-being at its very best. Our aim is to inspire pupils to walk as much as possible and to understand the benefits of this.”

Cllr Tom Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport and Engineering said:

”Well done to everyone who has been involved in Walk To School Week. I am delighted that we have so many pupils who are keen to take care of their environment by walking to school, rather than using the car.”