Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison MP, had a “summit meeting” with a difference when she met David Rutley MP to promote the health benefits of hill walking and getting active outdoors.
The pair were joined by Andrew Bingham, MP for High Peak, Benedict Southworth, Chief Executive of the Ramblers, and Andrew Denton, Chief Executive of the Outdoor Industries Association. The group walked up Shining Tor, between the Macclesfield and High Peak constituencies and then down into the Goyt Valley. The aim was to promote the physical and mental health benefits of walking and outdoor pursuits.
During the walk, the group discussed actions to tackle the growing challenges of physical inactivity in the United Kingdom. Studies show that up to one in three people in the UK are inactive. This is much higher than in other countries, such as in Scandinavia, where the figure is around 1 in 20. It is clear that more needs to be done to improve activity levels across the country. Helping to get more people active outdoors is a positive way of addressing this critical issue.
Following the walk, David said, “It’s critical that we need to find more ways to help get more people off their sofas and become more active. In Macclesfield, we are fortunate to have some fantastic countryside on our doorstep. Exploring our local area is a great way to become more physically active. As more people take steps to become more active, it will make a big difference in their own lives and will also help ease pressures on local health services.”