Several Tasmanian agencies (Government and community) have organised a forum on walking (Spring into Walking) at which we bring together agencies, groups and people to talk about walking and walking groups. Tasmania like many states of Australia has many walking groups for different purposes and which targets different sorts of people. I am doing a short presentation on national and international developments. I would like to hear from anyone on the list about walking for health, walking and mental health benefits or about walking designed for people living with a mental disorder/ condition (how wordy) or other conditions. Following the forum on 10 August I will post a short version of the presentation covering what I have learned. Some ideas I have come across about innovative groups are: * children's' walking group: "developing language" walks in partnerships with local schools and kindergartens by creating maps and showing highlights. The aim is to encourage "chatting" which is a key ingredient to successful groups. * older people group: combining city and country people in walks, lead by local people with knowledge of the area. * Chicago "walking" trains: children join a group of children walking to and from school with adult leader. Provides safety and encourages walking. The wider issues about walking I have obtained from the UK site: http://www.local-transport.detr.gov.uk/walk/walk.htm Regards Alan Alan Sutherland Health Promotion Policy Officer Strategic Analysis and Research Strategic and Corporate Support Division Department of Health and Human Services PO Box 125B, Hobart TASMANIA AUSTRALIA 7000 Phone: (03) 6233 3147 FAX: (03) 6233 2899 E-mail: [log in to unmask] Australian International: 011 + 61 + 3 + (eight digit call number)