A NEW women’s walking and wellness group in Bromsgrove is trailblazing a pathway for new friends to combat loneliness and mental health.
Worcestershire County Council has chose to shed light on the Gather and Grow group for Loneliness Awareness Week (June 10-16).
Gather and Grow was founded by Danielle Ward and Siobhan Crowther in January to help women come together to walk, talk and make friends on Sunday mornings.
Danielle and Siobhan recognised the benefits they got from each other’s company and wanted to share this with more women to help combat loneliness which can lead to a number of physical and mental health problems if severe or long lasting.
Danielle said: “Siobhan and I realised how good it was for us, enjoying each other’s company and discussing our problems. So we decided to open it out to more women.
“We had women turn up and it was lovely, lots of different women of different ages and different backgrounds. It’s grown so quickly, and from the feedback we are getting, it just shows this is really needed.”
After their Sunday walk, they also practice mindfulness through meditation and other wellbeing exercises.
For those who can’t make the walk, they support people on social media, even holding online meditations and exercises such as journaling.
One newcomer to the group said: “This group of ladies are amazing, friendly and very welcoming.
“The Sunday morning walks clear the cobwebs for the day ahead.”
Gather and Grow have recently been supported by the Public Health team at Worcestershire County Council to gather more people and grow their group.
They have also trained 20 women in Mental Health First Aid to equip them with the tools to deal with somebody who is experiencing a mental health crisis.
They are also holding an old-fashioned community picnic on Sunday, August 25 at Stoke Heath Park, Bromsgrove.
There will be rounders and other sports on the day for all the family. Tickets are £2 per person and will be on sale at the Hanbury Turn Pub and the Basement Project from July 1.
Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire, said: “We are delighted to support Gather and Grow. In just six months, they have grown from a seed of an idea into a supportive, welcoming group.
“I can’t wait to see what they will do in the next six.”
Visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555825615929 for more information.
Go to lonelinessawarenessweek.org for more information.
