Steps towards a healthier community

Ian Winter had recently moved to a new area and was facing difficulties in his personal life when he participated in a one-off community walk, which inspired him to set up his own regular walking club.

He said: “I really wanted to get other people out walking and building connections with others in their community. Having recently moved away from my family and the area I had lived my whole life, I knew how easy it was to feel isolated.

“I went to the council to see if they could offer any support, and they signposted me to Lincolnshire Co-op's Wellbeing Walks. Becoming a Wellbeing Walk leader has meant that I have been able to get training and support, and it has helped with promoting the walk, too.”

Ian runs our Ollerton Wellbeing Walk, which meets every Wednesday. It’s one of 92 regular walks across our area and contributes to supporting physical and mental health locally.

“I have a learning difficulty and was bullied throughout school. This meant I was always quiet and kept myself to myself, but setting up a Wellbeing Walk and leading the walks every week has given me an immense sense of pride and has helped to build my confidence.

“Members of my walking group have now become my friends; we always enjoy a chat on our walks, and we’re there for each other through the tough times, too! For example, I was recently in hospital, and each of them sent me messages of support, and when I had issues with my car, a walker collected me so that we could still go ahead with our weekly Wellbeing Walk.

“Although I lived in Nottingham all my life, I’ve never had the same sense of community that I do now in Ollerton, and that’s all down to the walks.”

Find a walk near you here.