A new walking group has been launched in Pickering, with a focus on supporting residents’ health and encouraging engagement within the community.

Pickering Town Community Interest Company (PTCIC) have launched the free initiative, ‘The Mindful Mile’, which entails a gentle weekly walk around Pickering Community Park, next to Whitby Road. 

Supported by Pickering Medical Practice and Pickering Town Council, the group meets every Saturday at 9.30am to walk and talk.    

PTCIC launched last year backed by funding from Ryedale District Council.

The group aims to promote the town to visitors, support small business, and improve facilities and residents' well-being.

It was established by a group of local residents and works closely with Pickering Town Council.

Group to encourage community to come together

Carrie Brackstone, operations manager for PTCIC, said: “Everyone always comments that Pickering is such a friendly town but with three more housing estates, it has increased in size over the past few years. 

"As a CIC (community interest company), we want to encourage the community to come together and give opportunities for those who are new to the town to meet more people and share their thoughts and ideas about Pickering and what they feel would be of benefit to people living here.”

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Katherine Bray, director of PTCIC and local health and fitness coach, said: “Exercising and getting out in nature is a proven way to lift our mood. 

"Our Mindful Mile is ideal for those who want to get out and about and improve their fitness. 

"Walking is often over-looked as a way of exercising but it’s a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness in a way that is low impact on the body. 

"It’s accessible, fun, and a great way to meet new people.”

Lisa Robertson and Carla Burrett, social prescribing link workers at Pickering Medical Practice, added: “We know that connecting with others and exercising is positive for both physical and emotional wellbeing, but sometimes it is hard to attend walking groups due to barriers like distance or physical health.

"We hope that the Mindful Mile will be an accessible and welcoming group for anyone in the local community to meet people and stay active."

PTCIC are also behind Visit Pickering - a new website for the town, which can be found at www.visitpickering.co.uk and across social media platforms.

It details top attractions in the area, along with events taking place in a bid to support and promote local businesses.

Speaking on the Visit Pickering, spokesperson for the PTCIC added that the website aims to increase growth in the area to ensure residents can “fulfil their potential and continue living in the area that they love”.

For further information about the PTCIC, or to volunteer, email Carrie Brackstone: carrie@pickeringtowncic.org.uk