Social Prescribing Walking Challenges in East Lothian: Supporting GPs, Healthcare Workers & Communities
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve health and wellbeing. In East Lothian, social prescribing schemes are increasingly connecting patients, GPs, and healthcare workers with walking challenges that build healthier, happier communities.
At Go Jauntly, we’ve developed local walking initiatives that make it easy for healthcare professionals to recommend walking to patients, while also supporting the wellbeing of clinicians themselves.
What is Social Prescribing and Why Does it Matter in East Lothian?
Social prescribing is a way for GPs and healthcare workers to connect people with non-medical support in their community. Instead of just prescribing medication, healthcare professionals can also prescribe activities like walking, gardening, or joining a local support group.
In East Lothian, where access to green spaces and coastal routes is a real strength, walking is a natural fit for social prescribing. By encouraging walking challenges, local GPs and link workers can help patients manage conditions like anxiety, depression, and long-term physical health issues in a sustainable and accessible way.
The Benefits of Walking Challenges for GPs and Healthcare Workers
Walking challenges don’t just support patients — they benefit the healthcare community too. Regular walks can help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve energy levels for busy clinicians and staff.
Benefits for healthcare professionals:
Reduced stress and burnout
Improved physical activity during busy schedules
A stronger sense of community with colleagues
A practical tool to model healthy behaviours for patients
Walking Challenges for Patients in East Lothian
Patients across East Lothian — from Musselburgh to North Berwick, Dunbar to Haddington — can benefit from walking challenges that are flexible, fun, and easy to follow.
Benefits for patients include:
Improved mental health and reduced loneliness
Better management of long-term health conditions
More opportunities for gentle physical activity
Stronger connections with nature and community
Local coastal routes, woodland paths, and town walks make East Lothian an ideal place to take part. With Go Jauntly, patients can join challenges, discover local walks, and track their progress, making it easier to stay motivated.
How Go Jauntly Supports Social Prescribing in East Lothian
Go Jauntly is a free walking app designed to help people discover everyday outdoor adventures. In East Lothian, we support GPs, link workers, and healthcare professionals by:
Providing walking challenges tailored for patients and staff
Offering accessible, step-free walking routes across East Lothian
Helping people track steps and miles, with motivating digital badges
Encouraging connection to local nature and community through walking
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a healthcare worker, GP, or East Lothian resident, there are simple ways to take part:
GPs & Social Prescribers → Recommend walking challenges to patients as part of their care. Watch this video to learn more about the East Lothian Social Prescribing Challenge or simply share this link with your patients.
Healthcare Workers → Join walking challenges yourself to support your own wellbeing and strengthen connections with colleagues.
Local Residents → Download the Go Jauntly app and start exploring East Lothian’s coast, countryside, and town walks today.
👉 Get Started with the East Lothian Go Jauntly Walking Challenge
Discover East Lothian on Foot
Don’t forget we’ve got lots of great East Lothian walking trails to inspire you to get your steps up, including:
Haddington’s Riverside Walk – a step-free scenic route
North Berwick Law – a rewarding hill walk
Salt of the Earth Heritage Trail – a 10km coastal path
Frequently Asked Questions
What is social prescribing in East Lothian?
Social prescribing is when healthcare professionals connect patients with non-medical activities, like walking, to improve their health and wellbeing.
How do walking challenges benefit patients?
Walking challenges encourage people to be more active, reduce stress, and feel less isolated, while also helping manage long-term conditions.
Can healthcare workers join walking challenges too?
Yes. Walking challenges are open to everyone and are a great way for staff to look after their own health while supporting patients.
Social Prescribing Partnerships with Go Jauntly
East Lothian’s mix of green space, coastline, and vibrant communities makes it the perfect place to combine walking with social prescribing. By working together, healthcare professionals, patients, and residents can build healthier, more connected lives, one step at a time.
If you’re a GP, social prescriber, or healthcare worker in East Lothian, try out the challenge for yourself or encourage patients to download the Go Jauntly app. If you need more information, contact us today.