Meet the members of the Whiteley health walk
The friendly Whiteley health walk gathers on Wednesdays at 2pm outside Meadowside Leisure Centre and heads off for some fresh air and conversation. Its members say that coming along has helped not only their physical health but their mental health.
Clive, who lives in Whiteley, said: “I was pre-diabetic and the doctor put me on an app to encourage me to become more active and do more walking. Then I noticed the wellbeing walk poster and when I realised I lived so close to it, it was really a no-brainer. It has all made a big difference. I have lost two stone and my blood pressure has come down.
“I love being out and about and meeting people. What’s great with the walk is that you can just come and turn up if you want, which takes a lot of the pressure off. It probably sounds silly but I was surprised that were so many men walking too. It’s enjoyable to chat to different people, and the walk leaders are brilliant.”
Ian lives in Fareham and joined a few months ago after a health scare: “I spotted the poster about the walk in the doctor’s surgery – it was just what I was looking for and it’s much more enjoyable than I expected as it’s not only the walk, it’s meeting the people too – the other walkers are lovely.
“I needed short walks as I had a serious blood clot so I needed to get moving, but not go too far. I have gradually expanded how far I walk and it’s been absolutely fantastic. I love talking to so many different personalities and I enjoy it when we go for a coffee together too.”
Stephen from Whiteley enjoys the company too: “After I lost my wife four years ago, I needed something to get me out of the house and into the fresh air where there were other people to talk to - I have been coming to this walk now for a couple of years.
“I am from Lancashire originally and we moved down here in 2017 as two of our daughters live here and the other is in London. I enjoy the walks a lot; I do all three walks in the area every week.”
Why not give one of the walks a go? We work with Community First on our supported health walks, which take place in Winchester, Bishop’s Waltham, Weeke and Colden Common as well as Whiteley. There's a new Winnall walk too.
There’s also a new seated exercise class in Whiteley community centre - pop along on Fridays at 10am (£4 a session).
Our walks rely on fantastic support from our volunteer walk leaders, and we’re always searching for more people to join the leaders team. If you would like more information please email Calum: cdrummond@winchester.gov.uk
Thank you to the walk participants for their help and welcome.