Louth Local Sports Partnership is delighted to welcome Gráinne O’Brien to the team as our Walking for All Officer.
Gráinne takes up this role as part of Walking For All, a major cross‑border walking participation programme led by Outscape NI and supported through PEACEPLUS funding, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
About Walking For All
Walking For All is a transformative initiative designed to improve health, wellbeing and social inclusion in rural communities across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, including Louth. The programme aims to engage more than 14,000 people in regular walking activities by providing short, accessible, volunteer‑led walks in local community spaces.
The programme focuses on:
- Increasing physical activity levels among people who are currently insufficiently active
- Improving physical and mental wellbeing through regular, social walking
- Strengthening social connections and inclusion within communities
- Encouraging positive use of local outdoor and green spaces
Walking For All also uses led walks as a way to connect diverse communities, promote understanding and respect for difference, and support greater social cohesion.
Louth LSP’s Role
Outscape NI is coordinating Walking For All in partnership with 18 organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In the Republic of Ireland, the programme is being delivered through six Local Sports Partnerships, including Louth LSP.
As Walking for All Officer, Gráinne will:
- Support the delivery of the Walking For All programme in Louth
- Recruit and train Volunteer Walk Leaders
- Help establish and grow sustainable community walking groups, particularly in rural areas
- Work with local communities and partners to ensure walks are welcoming, inclusive and accessible
Walks will take place weekly, from the same location and at the same time, creating a consistent and friendly routine for participants. Walks are designed to be social as well as active, often finishing with a cup of tea or coffee to encourage connection and conversation.
Welcome to the team Gráinne!