Local BBC Radio is encouraging people to head to their favourite spot with friends and family, to help raise awareness about the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of walking and talking, and to raise some funds for this year’s BBC Children in Need Appeal.

Anyone can take part and set their own Walk And Talk fundraising challenge, whether that’s doing one mile a day, a five-mile walk or even 100 miles to help raise money for children and young people across the UK, at a time when they need it most.

The Walk And Talk campaign launches across all 39 local BBC radio stations on Wednesday 12 October, and local BBC radio teams will be joining as many fundraisers as possible on their walks to tell their fundraising stories on air.

Presenters up and down the country will also be taking part in their own fundraising challenges to support the Appeal in the coming weeks, ahead of the charity’s 2022 Appeal Show on Friday 18 November.

Joe Wicks MBE, BBC Children in Need Ambassador, says: “Coming together to support children and young people is so important and what better way to raise funds than to take part in a Walk And Talk fundraiser.

"A simple walk not only benefits your physical and mental wellbeing, but will challenge yourself and you can set your own target whether this be a few steps or 100 miles! All funds raised will go on to support children and young people during the cost-of-living crisis and allow projects in local communities to continue providing young people with the tools they need to better manage their emotional wellbeing.”

BBC Children in Need Chief Executive Simon Antrobus says: “This year, more than ever, BBC Children in Need needs your help to continue funding the grassroots organisations, and project workers in local communities, that deliver vital support for the wellbeing of children and young people facing challenges and issues. We’re there for them and we want you to join together and take up a Walk And Talk fundraiser to make sure every child has the childhood they deserve - and the support they need to thrive. Sign up now and help change young lives.”

Chris Burns, Head of Local BBC Radio, says: “The last few years have been tough for many people, and people’s health and wellbeing should be paramount. Walk And Talk is a beautifully simple idea, as it gives people a chance to look after themselves and raise money for Children in Need. All 39 local BBC radio stations will be getting behind this campaign so wherever you are you can get involved.”

Tune into your local BBC radio station’s breakfast show on Wednesday 12 October to find out more.

To get involved and to start fundraising head to bbc.co.uk/pudsey or click here for BBC Children in Need’s Walk and Talk fundraising page.