Participants in the island’s walk and talk programme have been emphasising the positive impact it’s had on their lives.

Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) runs a walk and talk event in the island every week day, including two days at the NSC.

The walk and talk activities focus on giving people a calm space away from the roads to enjoy a walk and socialise either with their friends or to forge new relationships.

Four of the women who do the NSC race track walks on a Tuesday and Friday - Calleen Cochrane, Jill Walton, Linda Sykes and Ann Duggan - told the Manx Independent that, thanks to walk and talk, what started as just walking has turned into friendships and going out for lunches.

Linda said: ’I started doing walk and talk in 2013 to get more exercise, I feel so much better for it.’

Calleen added: ’It’s great, I’ve made friends, we go out for meals and do the walks all over the island.’

Jill said: ’I’ve been coming for approaching 20 years and I just love it, especially the summer when we do the green walks in the countryside.’

And Ann said she just really enjoys getting out and being more active.

Senior sport development officer Gianni Epifani said that, as the island seeks to have a healthier population, events such as walk and talk are key as the social aspect ’is just as important’.

He added: ’Compared with 20 years ago when the walk and talk started, we live a different and more sedentary lifestyle, so the big challenge is to get people more active and find options good for all ages.

’That’s why the social and mental health aspect of chatting or having a cup of coffee is important, if you enjoy it, then you will come back.’

MSR is also beginning its introduction to the Parish events.

Gianni said: ’The Parish Walk brings people to sporting events who maybe wouldn’t have done before so anything we can do to support that is worth doing.’

Walk and talk events are held on Monday 10am to midday at Poulsom Park, Castletown, register at Railway Station; Tuesday and Friday at the NSC, Douglas, register at NSC Café 9.30am to 11.30am; Wednesday at Ramsey Mooragh Park, register at Ramsey Rugby Club, 10am to 11.30am; Thursday on Peel promenade, register at Harbour Lights Café, 10am to 11.30am.

It costs £2 and includes a tea or coffee. Contact [email protected] or call the NSC on 688588, option 1.