A BASINGSTOKE business has partnered with a UK charity with the aim of improving staff wellbeing through walking.

Phoenix Group, based near the town centre, worked with Living Streets to participate in a community street walking audit, identifying where improvements could be made to the local walkways.

The charity wants to create a walking nation, free from congested roads and pollution, encouraging individuals of any generation to enjoy the benefits of walking more.

Staff volunteers from Phoenix, which specialises in life insurance and pension funds, joined representatives from Living Streets on an hour-long walk on the streets around the office, recording recommendations on how walking could be made more accessible to all, and noting how the environment could be improved.

The charity has been tasked with producing a report on the findings which it will share with local authorities, with a view to some of the recommendations hopefully being introduced in the coming months and years.

The Phoenix Group believes that by supporting Living Streets in improving walking routes locally, it could have a benefit to their staff who can venture out at lunchtime to boost their wellbeing, increase their daily step count and experience the great outdoors.

Lucy Symonds, corporate responsibility manager for the Phoenix Group, said: “The group actively promotes the benefits of walking to staff. It has been great working with Living Streets and hopefully together we will be able to encourage further members of our local community to build extra steps into their day.”

Living Streets believes there are many benefits to walking, including reducing the risk of preventable illness and social isolation, and the charity’s aim is to ensure all streets are fit for walking.

Joe Irvin, chief executive of Living Streets, said: “Our partnership with Phoenix Group supports our aim to create a walking nation, and they are settling a great example to other businesses by promoting the many benefits that walking can bring.”