From John, Chair of the PPG
A newsletter built on one simple idea
We want to encourage regular conversations with friends, families and neighbours about ways to live healthier and happier lives. The more we share, the stronger our community becomes.
This edition covers getting active with parkwalk, the power of social prescribing, summer eating well, and where to find daily moments of joy. We hope something here is useful to you or someone you know.
Active Dorset — Walking
Park Walk at parkrun: walking that welcomes everyone
Walking is one of the simplest and most powerful things we can do for our health. It improves fitness, lifts our mood, helps manage stress, improves sleep, and keeps us connected to the people around us.
Parkrun is a free community event every Saturday at 9am. You can walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. There is no time limit and no one finishes last.
What many people don't know is parkwalk, available at every parkrun. Everyone starts together and walks the 5km route at their own pace. Two types of volunteers are with you all the way: the tail walker (orange vest, always last to finish) and volunteer parkwalkers (light blue vest, walking alongside for support and encouragement).
Jessica Ennis-Hill explains parkwalk — from the official parkrun & Vitality channel
-
📍
Weymouth parkrun Lodmoor Country Park — back of Lodmoor car park, DT4 7SX
-
📍
The Great Field parkrun The Great Field, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 2FG
Uplifting the Mood
The power of Social Prescribing
At the heart of social prescribing is a simple idea: health and wellbeing grow stronger when people feel connected, supported and understood.
Link workers can connect you to local services, groups and activities that suit your needs and interests. Whether you are dealing with loneliness, housing worries, anxiety, or just feeling lost, there is support available alongside any clinical care you receive.
"Margaret was feeling very low since her husband, who has dementia, had recently been placed in a home. Her life had been dictated by his needs, leaving her lost when he moved out. She contacted the social prescribers, who offered her a one-to-one appointment covering eating properly, finances, managing emotions, and returning to a calm and positive life."
— Health and Wellbeing Coaching ServiceYou can refer yourself. No GP appointment needed.
Looking for a daily lift? Action for Happiness has a free calendar of small actions to bring more joy to every day of the month.
Summer Seasonal Eating — The Times, June 2026
What to pick in the fruit and veg aisle this summer
Choosing seasonal produce is one of the easiest ways to eat well. Here is what to look for right now:
For affordable, easy recipes the whole family can enjoy, visit the NHS Better Health: Healthier Families website.
Help us reach more people
Know someone who would benefit?
Please share this page by copying the link and sending it by email, WhatsApp, or text. The more people who see it, the stronger our community becomes.
Copy link to share 📋