Get out in your local community, have fun, discover something new and make friends this summer! We've hand-picked a selection of local events, apps and walking routes for you to try - aimed at boosting your mental health and wellbeing...

Summer Strolls | Local Walks For All

Inspired by Stephanie's recent adventure on her epic West Highland Way fundraiser, we wanted to take this chance to share some favourite local walks with you - our BwD community. Stephanie has told us first hand how her experience of getting out for a local walk, even just a short 30 minute stroll, has had a huge positive impact on her health and wellbeing.

Particularly following the impact of Covid-19 and many months of restrictions, we are making this season our Care Network 'Summer of Walking'! 

In BwD, we are surrounded by beautiful countryside and stunning walks. From leafy wanders in local parks to riverside rambles and longer hikes up in the hills and across moorland. The Lancashire Telegraph have pulled together a great selection of local walks for all ages and abilities. Take a look at some below...

• For a range of local walks in BwD please click here
• For walks under 7 miles across East Lancashire please click here

Follow in Stephanie's Footsteps...

Feeling inspried by Stephanie's fundraising story? Did you know that you too can plan your very own Care Network fundraiser?

We welcome any fundraising ideas from our community, from tea parties to raffles, fun quizzes to your own outdoor adventure! Take a look here at some great fundraising ideas from Easy Fundraising. 

Summer Fun Day at Roe Lee Park | Saturday 9th July, 12pm - 4pm

With donkey rides, a fun fair, face painting, magic show, street entertainment, deck chairs, ice cream, live artists and much more, there's something for everyone at the Roe Lee Park Fun Day this month! Please click here for more information.

Fancy a Meet Up? There's an App for that!

For 20 years now, people have turned to Meetup to meet new people, make friends, find support, grow a business, and explore their interests. Thousands of events are happening every day across the UK - why not join in the fun?

Tried and tested by our very own Hussain Mulla, Meetup is a fantastic app that brings like minded people together with their local community. From craft clubs to walking groups, open water swimming to book clubs, there's something for everyone here. Best of all, these groups are brought to you by real people in a safe, friendly, welcoming way.

Hussain is a member of the Ribble Valley Social Pursuit Group (pictured above) - based in the Ribble Valley and surrounding areas including Blackpool, Preston, Blackburn, Garstang, Bolton, Darwen, Burnley, Lancaster, all the way through to Skipton. This group hosts a variety of activities both outdoors and indoors for people in their 30’s and 40’s, in and around the Ribble Valley, Trough of Bowland and West Pennine Moors area, with trips further afield to The Lakes, Yorkshire Dales, Snowdonia and Peak District from time to time!

Head to Meetup to sign up and find out more and be sure to share your adventures with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Al Fresco Adventures

• National Picnic Month | Throughout July
• National BBQ Week | 4th - 10th July

Soak up the sunshine, enjoy a dose of nature and breathe in the fresh air at a local park, nature reserve or river bank! With both National Picnic Month and National BBQ Week this month, there's no better time for some sunny al fresco treats...

For the Master Chef and Bake Off lovers amongst you, take a look at some tasty and healthy picnic menus and BBQ recipes to add a touch of style to your summer menu!

Why not make an extra special occassion of your picnic? You could host one for friends and family, your street or even your local community by hosting a Jacob's Join style picnic and raising funds for a local charity, such as Care Network!

Please ensure that you BBQ responsibly, check local rules, take your litter home, leave the countryside as you found it and take extra care at all times near water. Tips here on responsible BBQ practices and important outdoor water safety.