Together with Ealing Council and Catalyst Housing Association, and thanks to funding from Tesco's Bags of Help, the project will see a local GP practice prescribe this 1km health walk along the Grand Union Canal to their patients.
With research showing that being next to water is good for your wellbeing the initiative aims to help boost the health and happiness of local people living near to the canal.
New signage leading from the Havelock Estate will highlight the route along the canal leading up to Norwood Top Lock on the Hanwell Flight which was built in 1794 to take the Grand Union down to the Thames.
This initiative is supported by the Mayor of London through the Civic Innovation Challenge which aims to work with leading corporates and public organisations to tackle some of London's most pressing problems. These include initiatives in helping people lead healthier, more active lives by increasing their physical activity.
Jeannette Brooks, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “Walking not only improves your fitness but it can also help with a range of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Our waterways in London are perfect for introducing local people to being more active as the towpaths are generally flat and easy to navigate along and there are 100 miles of waterway to discover.
“Walking can also help people suffering with loneliness make new friends and connect with other people in your community, so I would urge everyone to give this new walk a try and enjoy being out on the canal.”
Nicola Wheeler from Catalyst Housing Ltd, said: “It's been great for Catalyst to work with a range of like-minded and motivated partners to bring more physical activity opportunities and an introduction to light-touch social prescribing to our residents.”
