Excellence award for walking group

Hertfordshire Health Walks is the biggest health walks scheme in the country and was nominated for the difference it has made to people’s lives by reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, falls, Alzheimer’s disease and type two diabetes through increased physical activities.

The knock-on affect is significant savings for Hertfordshire’s health and social care services.

It is the first time that the annual conference, held on Wednesday (December 3), has celebrated excellence in public health with an award ceremony.

Nominations were invited from the whole public health community for individuals and organisations who have demonstrated ongoing commitment, vision and passion in improving the health of the public.

Winners were chosen by Councillor Teresa Heritage, who oversees public health, and her deputy Councillor Fiona Hill.

Ms Heritage said: “By working collaboratively, Hertfordshire is considered to be one of the best Public Health partnerships in the country and the award winners show just some of the great work that goes on between the County Council, the 10 districts and boroughs, the Clinical Commissioning Groups, GPs, schools, the voluntary sector and more.

“The times ahead will be challenging, but we will continue to work together to protect and improve the health of the public in Hertfordshire.”

Along with Hertfordshire Health Walks there were four other winners - Janis Feely from The Living Room, St Albans, the Mental Health Project at the Money Advice Unit, Michal Siewniak from Active East Herts and Katie Southall, acting assistant headteacher at the Priory School, Hitchin.

Find out more about Hertfordshire Health Walks at www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks.