A popular walking charity is gearing up to welcome the public to a special event at Stirling University’s lochside this weekend, as part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science. The event, organised by the University of Stirling and supported by Paths for All, the creators of the Step Count Challenge, aims to merge scientific research with outdoor activity.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 19, from 11 am to 2 pm, the university will host a free event featuring a self-led walk around the scenic loch, suitable for walkers and wheelchairs. Along the way, attendees will have the chance to interact with experts from the Universities of Stirling and St Andrews, as well as Paths for All representatives, who will share insights on research into physical activity and workplace wellbeing.
Noteworthy artist-in-residence for Paths for All, Alec Finlay, will be part of the event, demonstrating how small changes in daily activity can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. Paths for All representative, Carl Greenwood, highlighted the event’s emphasis on showcasing how simple modifications to daily routines can enhance overall wellbeing, especially amidst the autumn backdrop of the University of Stirling’s picturesque campus.
The event will offer participants the opportunity to create their own ‘Nature Compass’ under the guidance of artist Alec Finlay, merging creativity with outdoor activity. The walk, which is low-level, risk-assessed, and accessible, will conclude with refreshments and a discussion session with researchers to delve into the findings of the Step Count Challenge.
Professor Gozde Ozakinci from the University of Stirling accentuated the impact of the event, stating that the research collaboration with Paths for All has shown positive effects on physical and mental health through workplace walking initiatives. The aim is to illustrate that incorporating simple activities like walking or wheeling into daily routines can lead to improved fitness, wellbeing, and social connections.
All participants are set to receive a complimentary goodie bag containing items like a tote bag, water bottle, notebook, and exclusive artwork by Alec Finlay. The event is wheelchair accessible and caters to individuals, families, HR professionals interested in workplace wellbeing, and anyone looking to merge creativity with outdoor activities.
While pre-registration is encouraged, drop-ins are also welcome on the day. The ESRC Festival of Social Science, running from October 19 to November 9, features events across the UK that explore the impact of social science research on daily life.