Our Community Building team were recently discussing how to spread the word about what we do in the community, as we realised that we do not blow our trumpet often enough, so I thought I would share with you the ripple effects in one of our groups.
The Amblers walking group started in May 2020, as we were coming out of the first lockdown. Our first weeks saw us having to split those attending into three or four groups to meet social distancing requirements, but after our initial six week trial, there was a keenness to continue, and now more than four years later, we are still meeting every Friday for a flat(ish) walk of approximately two miles somewhere in the Bay.
Our Whatsapp group has more than 70 members who drop in and out of the walks as suits them. Firm friendships have been made, holidays have been taken, and one group member decided to organise a monthly 10 pin bowling event, followed by a meal. When they became unable to organise it, someone else took it on.
Another member organised a skittle’s afternoon, whilst a third plans occasional Sunday lunch groups. Music nights, birthday parties, afternoon discos and theatre trips also happen. The group members look after each other, and walking partners are always there for our blind and visually impaired walkers to keep them safe.
For any who might struggle with the distance, someone will drop behind so they are not alone. A number of members have lost their partners and offer support to each other when not walking. One member said, “I am recently bereaved, and this group has been a lifeline to me. Regular lifts are offered, care is taken of our vulnerable members, and whilst I am obviously biased, the group feels like an extended family.”
One member joined after meeting us out walking and recently said their life had changed. Another member said that their life had improved massively after being involved with our group and the Live Longer Better Course run by my colleague, Jess Slade. Every member of our group would have a story to share and at our recent shorter Leg Stretch walk, two individuals said they had made time to come, as they just needed to have some friendly human connection and fresh air - For further information about this, and the many other groups happening across the Bay, please contact your local Community Builder or Gill: 07884887063.
