Wellacre Joins Urmston Active Travel Initiative

Posted at 10:49 am on 9th March, 2022

Local Health and Wellbeing Focus Group

As an advocate for Active Travel, Wellacre is delighted to join the Urmston Active Neighbourhood (UAN) Health sub-group.  

The UAN project plans to transform the region by changing the way people travel.  The aim is to encourage community members to make walking and cycling a natural choice for shorter journeys, which will not only improve their health and wellbeing, but will also improve the air quality and road safety in the area. 

The ‘Health’ focus group has been established to ensure the UAN project places the Urmston residents’ health and wellbeing at its core.  They are engaging with various stakeholders to raise awareness of the Active Neighbourhood Plans. 

Mrs Eagling, Teacher of Maths and co-ordinator of Wellacre’s Youth Travel Ambassador (YTA) co-curricular programme, received the invitation to join the group.

Mrs Eagling said:

“The aims of Wellacre’s Youth Travel Ambassadors project are closely aligned with the UAN and this ‘Health’ focus group.  By working together to affect change, we want to have a positive impact on community health and safety, and on the environment.”

Joanne Harding, Labour Councillor for Urmston Ward chaired a recent meeting, joined by representatives from Amey, Trafford Council, Age Concern and the Headteacher from St. Monica’s Primary School.

The group was keen to hear the views of young people in the area, and Mackenzie, from Year 7, proudly represented Wellacre’s YTA co-curricular group.  

Mrs Eagling added:

“Mackenzie was brilliant and effectively put across his concerns and the barriers Wellacre students face for Active Travel.  The participants were so impressed with him and he has been invited to the next meeting.”

  

Wellacre launched the Youth Travel Ambassador P6 group as part of it’s 2021/22 co-curricular programme, and is one of one of only ten schools in the region chosen to work with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to address transport issues affecting their school community and give children the confidence and skills to campaign for Active Travel.