Northumberland pupils gearing up for Walk to School Week

Pupils across Northumberland are joining thousands of children across the UK to take to their feet for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week – taking place from May 17 to 21.

This year’s campaign focuses on the health and environmental benefits of walking to school, exploring how being active helps children gain ‘superpowers’ that improve their health, happiness and local environment.

Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director for Adult and Children’s services, said: “This is a great initiative for our children to get involved in.

"Walking is not only great for a child’s physical health and wellbeing but their mental health and wellbeing too.”

Families are encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.

As part of the week children will be able to take part in activities and will be introduced to a new ‘Walking Superpower’ taking the form of a fun comic-book inspired design.

‘Super Strong’, ‘Super Smart’, ‘Super Smiley’, ‘Super Safe’ and ‘Super Sustainable’ will teach pupils about the benefits of being active and reinforce the power of walking.

Last year, almost 200,000 children across the country took part in Walk to School Week with this year looking to be bigger than ever.

Mary Creagh, Chief Executive of Living Streets, said: “Walk to School Week is a fun, inclusive, free and simple activity, which improves the physical and mental wellbeing of children and celebrates walking for all.

“Pupils enjoy the health and happiness that comes from walking, while schools and local communities enjoy reduced congestion and pollution.

“We’re thrilled that families nationwide are joining us this week and enjoying the fresh air, fun, freedom, and friendship that walking to school brings.”

The Big Northumberland Gear Change offers tips, advice and stories from fellow residents who have swapped how they get around.

For more information on how you can play your part in Northumberland achieving net zero carbon emissions target by 2030 visit www.northumberlandgearchange.co.uk

For more information on Walk to School Week visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw