CONGRATULATIONS are due to Bude Walk and Talk, which, after existing for five years, has just been awarded accreditation by Walking for Health, a Natural England initiative.

Bude Walk and Talk became an accredited scheme on September 9, 2009, having successfully demonstrated that they meet the required criteria. This includes offering led walks for beginners, meeting the 'Walking for Health' safety and insurance standards for all walks and collecting basic monitoring information.

As an accredited scheme, Bude Walk and Talk will benefit from being seen as part of a nationally evaluated scheme as well as being formally recognised by health professionals, prospective partners and funders.

Mr Michael Heryet, the scheme co-ordinator for Bude Walk and Talk says: "We are extremely pleased and honoured to receive accreditation status.

"It is a measure of the achievement that Bude Walk and Talk — which has grown in five years from six or seven walkers to today's group of 25 plus on a regular basis —has made. It is also a fitting tribute to all the work put in by the dedicated group of Volunteer Walk Leaders."

Mr William Bird, the strategic health advisor for Natural England says: "The new accreditation scheme has been essential in ensuring high standards across the WfH network and providing frontline health professionals with added confidence when referring their patients on."

Bude Walk and Talk — together with their sister organisation Bude Amblers — welcomes new walkers throughout the year. If you would like to walk with either of these schemes or train as a Walking for Health Volunteer Walk Leader please contact Michael Heryet on 01288 356628 or you can e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]