More than just a walk
The benefits of walking
It’s well known and researched that walking boosts our overall wellbeing.
- Walking gets blood circulating
- Walking helps loosen and stretch muscles
- Walking at pace increases the heart rate, delivering more oxygen
- Walking improves mood, providing a chance to clear thoughts, de-stress, and re-focus
- Walking enhances the senses, helping us become more in tune with our surroundings
- Walking is simple and achievable
For many, stepping outside for a walk is easy. But for many others, it isn’t.
And yet, walking is a simple activity that everyone should be able to enjoy and benefit from.
At Move the Masses, we believe in the importance of getting out for a walk and the value of fresh air and movement. That’s why our driving goal has always been to make walking accessible for everyone.
So what can prevent someone from going for a walk?
Over the next few months, we’ll be exploring access barriers, and sharing stories from our Move Mates’ pairings.
This month's focus: Alzheimer's
Danny's Story
Danny’s wife, Gemma, first heard about Move Mates through a family friend who volunteered with us.
Danny has always loved walking and staying active and even considered volunteering himself.
But when he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, his family decided it would be better for him to be matched with a Move Mate instead.
Danny and Gemma enjoying the beach
Move Mate Chris has been walking with Danny since last April.
Gemma tells us, “Chris is brilliant. He’s such a lovely guy and takes Danny out once or twice a week. He even makes sure to walk with him when Danny is in respite.”
Alongside Move Mates, Danny and his family receive support from Dementia Forward, who offer practical advice and host weekly groups for people with early-onset dementia.
These groups and activities give Danny the opportunity to enjoy days out and connect with others.
Gemma is grateful for both the one-to-one and group support, which have had a positive impact on Danny’s wellbeing.
All smiles at the Party in the Hall event celebrating the work of Dementia Forward
Comfort and companionship
Going for a walk one-on-one not only benefits Danny’s health but also gives his family time to rest.
It provides Gemma with opportunity for work and other responsibilities with the reassurance Danny is safe.
This became especially important when Danny started to increasingly lose his way.
The regular Move Mate walks are a comfort for Danny’s family, and companionship for him.
Move Mate Chris
Chris, Danny’s Move Mate, tells us, “I never get tired of the big smile I get from Danny every time we meet. It’s fascinating to listen to his stories.
He often talks about his time working at the Rowntree factory and even remembered the batch number for a chocolate bar.
He shows me where he used to live, where his girls grew up, which park they played in, and the schools they attended.
Danny remembers so much about the past but struggles with the present.
These days conversations are often led by me or his family. But it’s a joy to see his infectious grin when something familiar comes back to him.
He is incredibly fit, and I often have to ask him to slow down. He shows no signs of stopping even on our longer two-hour walks.
At the end of every walk, he gives me a huge outpouring of thanks, but truthfully, I get just as much out of our time together as he does.”
Join us in making a difference
Would you like to make an active difference in someone’s life?
Join our community of Volunteer Move Mates like Chris!
Find out more and apply on our volunteer page.
Move the Masses operates in York, Leeds, Durham, Selby, and Pocklington.
Next Month: Neurodiversity
Next month will be hosting Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
So we’ll be looking at the barriers faced by those with autism and other neurodiverse conditions.