Randalstown sisters launch new community walking group to help locals get active and connect

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, congratulates sisters Aislinn (far right) and Meagan Joyce on the launch of Randalstown’s new walking group, The Maine Walkers. Also pictured is Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Walking for All Officer, Bridie Kelly.

Residents in Randalstown are being invited to lace up their walking shoes and explore their local area as two sisters launch a new community walking group aimed at improving health, wellbeing and social connections.

Aislinn and Meagan Joyce have established The Maine Walkers, a new weekly walking group designed to welcome people of all ages and abilities, creating an opportunity for residents to enjoy regular exercise while meeting new people in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Inspired by a shared passion for community wellbeing, the sisters approached Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council with the idea of creating an inclusive walking group that would encourage more people to get outdoors and become active.

To turn that vision into reality, they completed the Council’s Walking for All training programme, delivered by Walking for All Officer Bridie Kelly, equipping them with the skills and confidence to lead safe, accessible and enjoyable walks within their community.

Helping people get active together

Randalstown sisters lead the way with new rural community walking group. The Maine Walkers meet every Wednesday at 7pm at the Viaduct entrance.

The Maine Walkers will meet every Wednesday evening at 7pm, gathering at the Viaduct entrance on New Street in Randalstown.

New participants are asked to arrive at 6.45pm to allow time for registration before the walk begins. Alternatively, walkers can register in advance through the Walking for All website at:

www.walkingforall.com/join-a-walk.

The weekly walks are designed not only to encourage physical activity but also to support mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation and help participants discover the natural beauty of Randalstown and its surrounding countryside.

Community spirit behind the initiative

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, praised the sisters for taking the initiative to create something that will benefit local residents.

He said:

“Aislinn and Meagan have shown great community spirit by taking the initiative to contact the Council and complete the Walking for All training programme.

“Their new walking group will provide a welcoming, healthy and social opportunity for local people to come together, stay active and enjoy Randalstown’s beautiful village. I commend them both for their enthusiasm and dedication to helping others become more active.”

Speaking about the launch, Aislinn Joyce explained that the idea began after her sister discovered the Walking for All programme.

“My sister, Meagan, came across the Walking for All programme and encouraged me to get involved,” she said.

“I saw it as a great opportunity to develop my volunteering skills while making a positive difference in the community.

“We’ve really enjoyed helping to inspire more people to get active and have been delighted by the positive response so far. We look forward to welcoming even more people to join us on our walks around the town throughout the summer and beyond.”

Support available for other communities

The Walking for All programme also encourages other communities to establish their own local walking groups.

Anyone interested in starting a walking group in their rural community can contact the Walking for All team by emailing walkingforall@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk.

The initiative is funded through a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

With regular weekly walks now underway, The Maine Walkers hopes to build a growing community of local people who can enjoy the benefits of staying active together while making the most of everything Randalstown has to offer.