Health / walking
Walking to combat social isolation and disconnection
A mental health charity has been working for decades to combat disconnection and social isolation in the local community, and a huge part of this are their special weekly walks.
Changes Bristol was set up in 2003 and offer services such as a weekly Walk and Talk and online support groups for its members.
During the walk, held at Windmill Hill City Farm in Bedminster, organiser Jen Witts emphasised on the importance of these weekly walks. She highlighted the value of having “an open non-judgmental space for people to meet each other exactly where they are.”
is needed now More than ever
Jen also stated the potentially “life-saving and transformative” impact of Changes’ community support systems, especially given the state of the mental health system in the UK.
The foxgloves were in full bloom at Windmill Hill City Farm – photo: Kashvi Cox
According to the NHS website, the maximum waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks. The length of this time frame means that for those seeking mental health support the problem often begins to deteriorate before they are even seen by a professional. Changes Bristol are doing vital work to help bridge the gap between clinical support and living in the community.
The services that Changes provide are open to anyone over the age of 18. Anyone approaching the charity does not require a formal mental health diagnosis or referral, making their services an accessible option for adults in and around Bristol.
As well as being easily accessible, the Walk and Talks provide a regular routine for Changes’ members.
During the walk, members pass through goats, sheep and a beautifully manicured herb garden. Both the staff and the members were delighted in seeing the nature on offer at Windmill Hill City Farm, especially now that the summer sun had made an appearance.
Being in contact with the nature around us has positive benefits on mental wellbeing – photo: Kashvi Cox
After the walk, the group stopped by the farm’s café where members and staff to catch up on the week so far and pass on details about next week’s walk.
Jen adds: “It gives me hope to see the love, care, compassion and kindness that members show for each other even when they’re going through so much themselves. It’s a wonderful and very powerful thing.”
Main image: Bristol Walk Fest
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