Connecting With Nature: How Our Inclusive Sensory Walks Are Bringing People Together
At Your Trust, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful a simple walk can be. Our sensory walks are creating a space where people with impairments and disabilities feel welcome, supported and connected.
As a charity committed to helping our communities live more active and healthier lives, we lead these walks with accessibility, safety and enjoyment at the heart of every session. Each route encourages people to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways – noticing the colours of spring flowers, listening to birdsong, feeling the breeze or even pausing by a fountain to enjoy the sound of the water.
Our walks usually cover two to three miles, taking place in beautiful locations such as Queens Park in Heywood and Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough. Thanks to the support of Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Wheels and Walks programme, we’re now able to run these walks regularly, and it’s been wonderful to see more people joining us each time.
Our Inclusion Officer, Fathema Ali, leads the walks and is excited to expand the programme as the weather brightens.
“Now we can have regular walks, which the service users are really looking forward to and enjoying. It’s not just about the physical benefits, the social aspect is just as important.
At the end of each walk we have a little get‑together, chat, make friendships and build relationships. The friendships formed here are so strong that people are now arranging their own walks outside these sessions, which is fantastic to see.”
What our participants are saying
After a recent walk at Queens Park, carers and support workers shared just how valuable these sessions have become.
Carole Evans, who cares for regular participant Kayliegh Heath, has watched Kayliegh grow in confidence.
“I think it just gives them a chance to mix with each other,” Carole said. “You can see the difference in them once they start walking round and they start talking with one another.”
For Paula Poulton, the walks have been a lifeline for her daughter, Kelsey Kershaw, who struggled socially after leaving college.
“She enjoys mixing with everyone and making new friends. Since she left college, she didn’t have anyone at all, and finding groups like this was difficult. Once someone introduced us, that was it we’ve not stopped coming.”
Lesley James, a support worker with MENCAP, says the walks have created a real sense of belonging for John Dingivan and have been just as valuable for carers.
“It’s good for John and for the support workers because we all get together and chat – the people we support and the carers – it’s just a good atmosphere.”
For full details of Your Trust disability and inclusion activities, please click here or contact our Inclusion Coordinator, Fathema Ali, on 07483 106154 or email inclusion@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk.