A new Walking for All programme, a major cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by Outscape, has been launched at The Junction in Dungannon, Northern Ireland. The €7.5m project aims to engage over 14,000 people across rural areas in Northern Ireland and the border counties to engage in accessible, led walking activities.
Designed to improve health and well-being in rural communities by making walking more accessible, enjoyable, and social for everyone to explore and participate in, Walking for All, looks to deliver short, regular walks in local community spaces. The programme is open to adults, regardless of age, background, or ability. By fostering a focus on connection, inclusion, and well-being, Walking for All hopes to build sustainable, healthy communities and address issues such as social isolation, wellbeing and inactivity.
The programme is being delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 partner organisations across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, including eight local authorities, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and six Local Sports Partnerships. Sport Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking), and the Public Health Agency are associate partners.
Sixteen Walking for All officers have already been recruited and will lead the programme as well as train walk leaders, supporting the creation of nearly 600 walking groups and engaging thousands in regular, social walks over the next three years.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA said: “I’m delighted that my Department, working in partnership with DRCDG and SEUPB, is providing funding under the PEACEPLUS programme to the Walking for All (WFA) project. WFA is not just about walking – it is about inspiring people to come together through shared, volunteer led experiences, strengthening bonds within our rural communities while enjoying the beauty of our countryside at its very best.
“This project will create a lasting legacy of healthier, happier and more connected rural communities, demonstrating the remarkable impact of community‑led initiatives to inspire long‑term positive change and helping rural areas to thrive as places where people can live, work and prosper.”
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD said: “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who contributed to the Walking for All initiative. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will continue to support this outstanding project in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The area will reap long-term benefits from this project.”
Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, said: “This significant funding will support social interaction, reduce isolation and encourage active lifestyles. The planned investment will enable communities to reach their full potential in terms of the economy, society, and environment.”
Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said: “Walking for All reflects the purpose of PEACEPLUS by creating opportunities for people to come together in ways that strengthen health, confidence and connection. Many rural communities may not have easy access to sports facilities, and this programme offers a simple and inclusive way to address those challenges. By providing trained support, accessible routes and a welcoming structure, it will help thousands of people build new routines and deepen their sense of belonging together. We are pleased to support an initiative that encourages shared enjoyment of the outdoors and contributes to long‑term wellbeing across our region.”
Gareth Moore, head of participation at Outscape said: “This is a wonderful programme which will really get to the heart of communities and provide on the ground ‘step-by-step’ support to getting out and walking regardless of age or ability. The funding from PEACEPLUS will bring communities to the heart of their local landscapes, enabling them to explore, create friendships and nurture each other through walking and the joy of outdoors.
“Through our newly recruited Walking for All officers we will bring walking to communities on a regular basis with programmes of walking planned, delivered and supported by trained walk leaders who will become a key part of this project.
“We fully appreciate the value of our outdoors and are already excited about bringing this to even more audiences including those who already love walking, those who are lonely and want to meet new people or be more involved in their communities, and those who are just really keen to do something to get active and improve their health.”
Dawson Stelfox, chair of Outscape and the first Irishman to summit Mount Everest, said: “Walking for All is a vital investment in community health and wellbeing across NI and the border counties of Ireland, rooted in the evidence that simple, locally led walking programmes can deliver lasting benefits which improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.
“Outscape is proud to be the lead delivery partner for Walking for All working in partnership with councils, LSPs, health bodies and community organisations. The programme has the potential to reach people who might otherwise be left behind, as well as create sustainable, positive change in community wellbeing and social cohesion across the region.”
