A series of free guided canal walks taking place every Thursday at 11am throughout September on the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal for people living with cancer have been organised as part of an initiative between a Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project and the Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) in Powys programme.

The canal project is an Enabling Natural Resources and Wellbeing (ENRaW) programme via the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government'.  It's partners include Powys County Council, Glandwr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

The aim is to bring together key partners to deliver on joint projects that boost community wellbeing using the canal networks in the county.

The ICJ programme - funded by Macmillan Cancer Support - aims to better support people closer to home following a cancer diagnosis. This support starts with the offer of a personalised conversation with a trained link worker.  Some residents living with cancer have shared how being able to get out into nature can be beneficial for their wellbeing so the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority are offering such an opportunity during September as part of the wider canal project.

Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys said: 

"This Welsh Government funded project aims to improve access to both the Montgomery and Monmouthshire and Brecon canals to enable people in those areas to enjoy the beauty of walking alongside the water whilst also feeling better in themselves. We've been running walks for different groups across the county and are delighted to be working with the Improving the Cancer Journey in Powys programme to offer these walks throughout September on the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal."

Richard Pugh, Macmillan Partnerships Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support said:"At Macmillan, we know that for people living with cancer, being able to step outside their front door and get back into nature can be really beneficial for their well-being.  Our Powys programme is all about improving a person's quality of life in whatever way matters to them. I hope these walks appeal to both residents who have a diagnosis and their family members and loved ones who are included in the invitation. The emphasis is on the enjoyment of a gentle stroll in the beautiful Powys countryside whilst building friendships with others who are also on their cancer journey."

The first walk will take place on the Brecon towpath on Thursday 1st September meeting outside the theatre at 11am. The walk will take up to an hour in total and will be tailored to the needs of the group including opportunities to stop, rest and admire the views. Future walks will take place from villages along the canal including Pencelli and Talybont. Interested residents living with cancer are asked to book a place by contacting Leonie Gittins, Project Support Officer via email [email protected] or by calling her on 01597 826754.

If a resident living with cancer or a family members wants to find out more about support available under the Improving the Cancer Journey in Powys programme the webpage provides details: https://www.powysrpb.org/icjpowys