Norfolk walking group participants share lived experience on benefits to mental & physical wellbeing

Starting at one of the residential hubs based in Norwich the group walks to an array of parks and green sites often spending mindful time at the historic and secluded ‘Plantation Garden’. Group participants share their experience on the benefits of the group to their physical and mental health. Firstly in a video interview, we hear from Sylvia who shares lived experience on joining the walking group in Norwich and the positive impact that has had on mental wellbeing:

Joe is a member of the walking group and he provided an audio interview explaining how he enjoys walking to the plantation garden and how beautiful a space that is:

Also sharing lived experience on the benefits they have felt to their physical and mental wellbeing from the walking group via written responses to questions are Jacob, Edward, Jesse and Dan who all use services in Norfolk run by NIHCSS. Their answer to questions are shown below:

Could you tell us a bit about you and how you came to become part of the walking group?

Jacob

My name is Jacob, I’ve been volunteering with the NIHCSS for a few months now. I became a part of the walking group after hearing about how the residents were enjoying the music appreciation group so thought it would be worth bring back the walking group that has been retired for a little while.

Edward

I moved from Silver road, which was care home, to Bakery Court about 5 years ago. I was introduced to walking group on a Tuesday, which I haven’t attended lately but which I did attend regularly. The walking group was encouraging to make an effort to attend, and I was happy to talk to people. We went to the river one week and Plantation Garden regularly.

Jesse

I always loved the great outdoors, so I grab the opportunities to go on walks with the introduction of staff.

Dan

I’m called Dan, aged 31. A member of staff recommended the walking group to me.

What are some of the things you enjoy the most about the walking group?

Jesse

Believe it or not, I like looking at the buildings, architecture and gardens, other people’s gardens on the way, and the environment and the flora and fauna creates for me a peaceful environment to be in.

Dan

I enjoy the Plantation Garden, it’s a relaxing environment, nice place to visit and it frees the mind too.

Jacob

The main enjoyment for me with the walking group is the enjoyment the residents get. Seeing a few of the same faces every week is encouraging to see as it means that it is worth to keep running as there are people who enjoy it.

Edward

I realised that walking near trees aided my recovery because I believe oxygen, which is life giving force, was present from the trees. So, I also had to make an effort to walk and that made me stronger in myself.

Are there ways you feel the group benefits your mental and physical wellbeing and if so, could you tell us a bit about them?

Edward

It’s something I look forward to and I’ve attended regularly but my health has deteriorated and I haven’t been on the walk for several weeks, but I hope to re-join the group soon.

Jesse

It’s an encouraging influence on me.

Jacob

Walking group is good for me as well, it’s a chance to get away from everything, to just walk and focus on that without having to worry about anything else. It feels good just being able to disconnect and especially with plantation garden just being able to walk and enjoy nature.

Dan

Getting some exercise and, as I’ve said Plantation garden is a relaxing environment to be in.

How do you find it interacting with the other members of the group and can you tell us a bit about how that has been?

Dan

Talking to people, engaging with the other members. I find it good talking to staff and some individuals.

Edward

It was funny because one of the staff I mistook for a patient, when I talked to him we had many things in common especially cookery and I realised he was member staff but the other patients were just as clever and I made an effort to talk to them more as well.

Jesse

Happiness.

Jacob

The participants seem to enjoy the walking group, they often engage and speak about their week and what they have been doing. It’s good for natural conversation as they feel like they can just be casual and speak about things with no pressure which is always encouraging to see.

Together would like to thank all of the contributors to these interviews for sharing their lived experiences.