We are currently running a limited timetable of in-person walks alongside our virtual offer. Booking is mandatory, please get in touch with us to find out more.
Please also read our Covid Safety Guidance before coming along.
Introduction
Walking for Wellbeing runs gentle, accessible, free walking groups for those with experience of severe and enduring mental health, based in Oxford and Banbury.
If you would like to join, please just fill out our online membership form:
Virtual walking newsletter
We are also currently running a virtual walking newsletter! We regularly send out a sensory description of a walk around a picturesque location, with pictures and an audio recording to help transport you to that place. Previous locations we’ve visited include the South African Savannah, the Himalayas and the surface of the moon!
We are always looking for contributions for the newsletter from our readers, so if you have nice photos, videos or pieces of creative writing inspired by nature and the outdoors, please get in touch.
Walking for Wellbeing video
Online Peer Support Group
We recognise that not everyone is able to come to our face to face groups. So we have set up a new virtual peer support group for people who would still like some help getting more active.
Would you like:
- To share your love of nature with a group of like-minded individuals?
- Help with goal-setting and friendly encouragement to keep going with physical activity?
- Practical ideas for how to get more out of your walks and stave off boredom?
Then this could be for you!
Please get in touch for more details including timings.
Frequently asked questions
Who can come?
Everyone is welcome on the walks, whatever your diagnosis or past experience.
How long are the walks?
Our walks vary in length from half an hour to an hour depending on the route. We choose a route together at the beginning of the walk to make sure it’s a length and difficulty level that everyone is comfortable with.
What sort of places do you walk?
Our walks are city-based and usually involve going to a nearby park. Some of our favourites include Christ Church Meadow, Magdalen College, the Botanic Gardens and Spiceball Park in Banbury.
What do you do on the walks?
The walks are a relaxed, informal space for you to use as you like. A lot of people enjoy the social aspect of getting to know other people in the group, but you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. Sometimes we do a little birdwatching or take nice pictures on our phones. If you have any thoughts about something you’d like to do on the walks, please do let us know- we’re always open to ideas.
I have a health condition that limits my mobility. Can you accommodate me?
All of our locations have at least one route that is short, flat and wheelchair accessible, and we will always adjust our route to make sure everyone is able to participate. If you would like to talk through the specifics of your situation, please get in touch with us using the contact details above.
I would love to come, but I struggle with motivation. Can you help?
We understand that motivation can be a challenge when you’re struggling, and are happy to give you a call on the day of the walk to remind you and encourage you to come, if that would help. Get in touch with us to arrange this.
Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately, we aren’t able to have pets on the walks unless they are registered assistance or therapy animals.
What times are the walks?
All our walks take place during office hours (Mon-Fri 9-5). For the latest timetable, please get in touch.
Can you run a walk closer to me?
If you have an idea for a new place for us to run a walk, please get in touch! However, bear in mind we are currently only funded to run walks in Oxford and Banbury.
If this is inconvenient, it might be worth having a look at the Walking for Health website to find other health walk programmes nearer to you: https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder
Can I volunteer?
Unfortunately volunteer recruitment is now on hold due to Covid-19, but you are welcome to get in touch to register your interest and we will contact you as soon as we’re recruiting again.
You can find out more about the role here: https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/jobs/wellbeing-walk-leaders/
If you would like to apply, you can download the application form, here: https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk/volunteer/apply/