The benefits and differences of individual and group walking support.
The support of a Move Mate has many different benefits to people in our communities.
One of our Selby paired walkers was new to the area last year, after moving to be closer to family.
Jacqueline has always loved walking and climbing, so it was important for her to be able to get out and about.
Jacqueline needed support to navigate new surroundings and to reduce anxiety around this.
Which is where we came in!
Ready for a group walk!
Volunteer Move Mate, Pauline has provided invaluable support, company and routine.
Jacqueline’s confidence has increased as she is now more familiar with the area and how to get about.
She’s even able to take her dog out on her own in-between her Move Mate walks!
What’s more, she’s been on some group walks with Pauline; something which she would not have felt able to do on her own. Jacqueline is able to join in while benefitting from the one-to-one support of her Move Mate.
These group walks, delivered by Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, are part of their commitment to active health in the community.
Community Walking in Selby.
We spoke to Andy Sim from Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles!
Here, he gives us his thoughts on one-to-one walking and group walking support.
What impact have you noticed walking having on the people you work with?
Our Inspired Outdoors Community Programme offers regular group walks. People have made friends and created communities, improving mental, physical and social health.
Walking empowers our participants, and some have now become walk leaders.
What barriers do you think people face in accessing fresh air and going for a walk, if any?
Some people are not able to go for a walk whether due to physical concerns or mental health.
There may also be location or social barriers. If someone isn’t familiar with safe walks in their area, or they have had a bad experience, it could put them off.
This is why organisations like Move Mates are vital.
What do you consider the benefits of one-to-one walking support?
A one-to-one walk can be tailored to the individual’s needs. This could be the route, the intensity, the distance or the terrain. Often it could include the type of support needed such as a conversation on the walk.
One-to-one walking is the bespoke walking experience.
What do you consider the benefits of group walking?
The main benefit of group walking is the social aspect of the journey. The opportunity to meet new people and have conversations improves mental wellbeing.
There is amazing peer support from our community of walkers. They are all very positive and motivating.
What do you consider the main differences to be between the two?
The primary difference would be that one-to-one walking allows for a bespoke journey.
Group walking offers a shared experience which can be very rewarding too. I would urge anyone to attend a community walk if they are able.
How do you think both offers can combine to achieve the best support and outcomes for people?
Everyone starts at a different point physically, mentally and socially.
The integration of different services is essential to supporting our communities. It’s important everyone has the chance to access and experience the natural benefits around them.
It’s also important that this comes at no or minimal cost to people to ensure the opportunity to engage.
Where is your favourite place to walk?
I love being able to walk from where I live.
I love putting on my shoes, and walking towards green spaces, close to waterways or even around historic buildings. This makes me very happy and I understand how lucky I am.
Away from my area, I enjoy walking in Northumberland. I particularly like Banburgh Beach with the beautiful castle in the background.
Many thanks to Andy Sim from Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles.
You can find out more about Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and their group wellbeing walks here.
Why not pop over to our project page and find out more about your local Move Mate project or check out our volunteering opportunities.
“I want to continue enjoying my walks each week with my Move Mate both one-to-one and with some group walking together too.”
Jacqueline