People urged to walk a mile and raise a smile

People are being encouraged to walk for a mile and raise a smile at the same time.

Heather Kay from Paisley’s Star Project community group raising a smile

The Renfrewshire Anti Stigma Alliance (RASA) is raising awareness of mental health stigma by organising a Walk A Mile – Virtual Style event on Wednesday, December 16.

The Renfrewshire Leisure Sports Services team are playing a leading role in organising the event, which in previous years would see participants take part in the event in one large group.

However, due to the coronavirus restrictions, it’s not possible for everyone to join together to walk a mile, so people are being asked to walk the mile themselves in their own area.

But so everyone can take part together in a virtual sense, those taking part are being encouraged to take a photo of something they see on their walk that makes them smile and share it on Facebook or Twitter with #RenAntiStigma along with their comments.

The RASA is group of local organisations aiming to tackle the stigma of mental health. Their partners include Renfrewshire Leisure, Renfrewshire Council, RAMH mental health charity, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Active Communities, Accumen, See Me, You Matter Always, Wellbeing 1st and various community projects and volunteers.

Senga McLeod, Renfrewshire Leisure Community Activity Officer, who played a leading role in organising the event, said: “It’s a pity we can’t all get together for Our Walk A Mile event this year.

“But we can still enjoy each other’s company and share a smile online by posting photos of whatever catches our eye and makes us smile during our walks.

“Taking part is a great way to keep active, get some fresh air and bring a smile to our faces.”