A partnership to help older members of the local community remain active, social and mentally stimulated has been launched at QEHB.
Working with QEHB, Age Concern Birmingham introduced a weekly walk and talk group that tours the hospital building and grounds, whilst exploring the rich history of the area and the city in a safe guided environment.
The walks are regularly lead by volunteers from Age Concern Birmingham who have a passion and interest in local history and who are able to make elements of our history come alive.
Walk and talks will include talks about local history such as the Metchley Roman Fort which encompassed part of the hospital site and is visible from the air.
Walking is excellent exercise, but much of this ceases when the weather is poor, however with the option of walking within the hospital when surfaces are slippery, walk and talk groups can also take in the incredible views of Birmingham and the region from Level 7 of the new hospital.
This project showcases Birmingham’s heritage, whilst offering the health benefits of a simple walk – whatever the weather.
If the walk and talk groups are successful, there are also future plans to involve clinical teams at QEHB, such as the falls prevention team, as well as input from experts at the University of Birmingham to talk in more depth about the illustrious history of Birmingham.
Paul Tomlinson, said: “As we all get older, it becomes more and more important to remain active particularly if we want to stay healthy and maintain our independence.
“It’s simple. Walking is a tremendously good activity for us all. It’s free and almost anybody can do it.
“Along with the interesting element of history that surrounds the hospital site – the walk and talk groups offer more than just a physical health benefit, but a mental health benefit, by allowing some of our older members of the local community to socialise and continue learning.
“These groups will have a very real benefit for maintaining mobility and independence.”
If you would like take part in a walk and talk group, you don’t currently need to book – you can just turn up.
Walk groups meet every Friday at 1pm, meeting at the Main Entrance, QEHB. Near the stainless steel sculpture ‘To the Future’ to the front of the hospital. Or if you would like more information, or if you would like to volunteer to help deliver a walk, please email: p.tomlinson@ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk
09/11/16 EDIT UPDATE – THIS WALK HAS NOW ENDED