Mid & East Antrim and Causeway Coast & Glens to benefit from major cross-border walking initiative

A €7.5 million cross-border initiative designed to tackle isolation, inactivity and poor wellbeing in rural communities has been officially launched — with Mid & East Antrim and Causeway Coast & Glens set to play a key role.

Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust has welcomed the introduction of the new ‘Walking for All’ programme, supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by Special EU Programmes Body, and led by Outscape.

The programme was launched on Friday, 27 February 2026 at The Junction in Dungannon.

Backed by €7.5 million in funding, Walking for All aims to engage more than 14,000 people across rural Northern Ireland and the border counties through accessible, volunteer-led walking groups.

Building healthier, more connected rural communities

Designed to make walking more accessible, enjoyable and social, the programme will deliver short, regular walks in local community spaces.

Open to adults of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, it focuses on connection, inclusion and wellbeing — responding directly to challenges such as social isolation and inactivity.

Sixteen dedicated Walking for All Officers have already been recruited to lead the programme and train Walk Leaders. Over the next three years, the initiative will support the creation of nearly 600 walking groups across participating areas.

Locally, the project is being led by Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust Walking for All Officer Laura McAuley, who will support the development of groups across the council areas in close partnership with local communities.

The programme is being delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including eight local authorities, Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust and six Local Sports Partnerships.

Associate partners include Sport Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking), and the Public Health Agency.

Ministerial backing across the island

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA said:

“I’m delighted that my Department, working in partnership with DRCDG and SEUPB, is providing funding under the PEACEPLUS programme to the Walking for All (WFA) project.

“WFA is not just about walking - it is about inspiring people to come together through shared, volunteer led experiences, strengthening bonds within our rural communities while enjoying the beauty of our countryside at its very best.

“This project will create a lasting legacy of healthier, happier and more connected rural communities, demonstrating the remarkable impact of community-led initiatives to inspire long-term positive change and helping rural areas to thrive as places where people can live, work and prosper.“

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said:

“I would like to express my gratitude to all those who contributed to the Walking for All initiative. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will continue to support this outstanding project in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The area will reap long-term benefits from this project”.

Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, added:

“This significant funding will support social interaction, reduce isolation and encourage active lifestyles. The planned investment will enable communities to reach their full potential in terms of the economy, society, and environment.”

A scalable, evidence-based approach

Welcoming the announcement, Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said:

“Walking for All reflects the purpose of PEACEPLUS by creating opportunities for people to come together in ways that strengthen health, confidence and connection.

“Many rural communities may not have easy access to sports facilities, and this programme offers a simple and inclusive way to address those challenges. By providing trained support, accessible routes and a welcoming structure, it will help thousands of people build new routines and deepen their sense of belonging together.

“We are pleased to support an initiative that encourages shared enjoyment of the outdoors and contributes to longterm wellbeing across our region.”

Gareth Moore, Head of Participation at Outscape, said:

“Walking for All will enable people of all ages and abilities across NI and the border counties to ‘step out’ in supported, inclusive and welcoming walking groups. Rooted in rural communities, this landmark participation programme seeks to increase levels of physical activity, while addressing social isolation and loneliness amongst some members of our community.

“The funding from PEACEPLUS will bring communities to the heart of their local landscapes, enabling them to explore, create friendships and support each other through walking and in shared appreciation of the outdoors.

“Trained Walk Leaders will deliver local walks within their communities, supported by Officers engaged by local authorities and sports partnerships. This network of Walk Leaders will be responsible for delivering life-enhancing support to their communities in a fun and fulfilling role, leading a short, regular weekly walk near their home.Together with our partners, we’re excited to offer everyone the opportunity to walk together, make new friends and improve their health through Walking for All.”

The programme has been identified as strategically important across both jurisdictions, aligning with public health and preventative action priorities. In Northern Ireland, it supports Programme for Government wellbeing and active living objectives and is recognised within the Healthy Futures Obesity Strategic Framework (2025) as a scalable, population-level intervention.

Local impact

Dawson Stelfox, Chair of Outscape, said:

“Walking for All is a vital investment in community health and wellbeing across NI and the border counties of Ireland, rooted in the evidence that simple, locally led walking programmes can deliver lasting benefits which improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.

“Outscape is proud to be the lead delivery partner for Walking for All working in partnership with Councils, LSPs, health bodies and community organisations. The programme has the potential to reach people who might otherwise be left behind, as well as create sustainable, positive change in community wellbeing and social cohesion across the region.”

Welcoming the announcement, Graham Thompson, Trust Director of Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, said:

“We’re delighted to be a partner in the delivery of the Walking For All programme in rural locations across the Mid & East Antrim Borough Council area.

“The programme will help people from all communities within Northern Ireland, and the border counties too, become healthier and more active. It’s also great to see a programme designed to include everyone of all abilities.

“Walking is the most accessible form of exercise. It’s free, requires no special equipment or skills and people can go at their own pace and comfort level.

“Walks will take place in each village at the same time and same place in the hope that anyone can join with confidence that the walk will be taking place each week in the same location.

“By training local walk leaders in all our rural villages, to help them set up their own groups, we’re creating a massive opportunity for everyone to get involved.

“Our thanks to The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and Outscape for the opportunity to be part of this important work in our communities.”

The launch event at The Junction will bring together outdoor and health champions, government departments, funders and delivery partners to mark the start of the programme.

Further information on becoming a Walk Leader or finding local walks is available at www.walkingforall.com.