St Elizabeth Hospice’s bereavement support walking group – Walk On – is marking its third anniversary.
Launched in September 2021, by hospice volunteers and the charity’s bereavement support service, LivingGrief, Walk On gives those who have been bereaved the opportunity to meet new people, talk about shared experiences and offer support to one another, while enjoying a sense of wellbeing brought by walking in the outdoors.
The group was created by St Elizabeth Hospice volunteer Dennis Tattoo and his wife Sarah, who worked closely with hospice staff to establish Walk On and now Dennis and the group are looking back at three years of Walk On developing and growing to support many people in the local community.
Dennis, who has volunteered at the hospice since 2017, said: “It has been fantastic to be part of Walk On and to see it evolve over the last few years.
“We have met many new faces, made new friends and have enjoyed lots of lovely walks in the Suffolk countryside, sharing conversations about life and experiences of bereavement, while supporting one another in the process.
“Walk On is open to all and we always include the all-important cake and coffee stop with each of our Walk On meets! Anyone interested in learning more about our walks is encouraged to look at the information on the hospice website.”
The weekly walks are typically between three and six miles long, although a longer walk is usually available at the weekend once a month
Since September 2021, over 90 walks have taken place with typical numbers between 10 and 25, with the group covering a combined total of 7,500 miles.
Walk On has walked in many locations in the local area, including Ipswich Waterfront, Felixstowe and Woodbridge. With Dennis estimating the group has already taken in excess of 15 million steps and consumed over 2,000 hot drinks and 1,700 pieces of cake. Time spent in cafes being a highlight of all the walks.
One person who has been attending Walk On groups since 2022, is Robin Moss. He said: “I heard about Walk On via the hospice’s LivingGrief service and have found Walk On to be very beneficial.
“I enjoy being active and Walk On has helped me meet new people, who are living through similar experiences to me.
“A real highlight is the coffee and cake at the end of every walk! Walk On has been a great comfort to me. It has helped me a great deal and I would really recommend the group to anyone, as it is a positive impact on both your mental and physical health.”
For more information about Walk On and upcoming dates visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/walk-on/ or call 07731 997683.
Or register your interest here – www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/walk-on-new-member-sign-up/
Testimonials from Walk On Walkers:
Teresa Cook
“St Elizabeth Hospice supported my husband before his death in June 2022 and whilst visiting the hospice website I saw the range of bereavement support services offered by the hospice, including Walk On.
“At the time, I thought to myself ‘that is a really good idea’, and after his death I remembered the group and reached out.
“When I rang Dennis he was so lovely and welcoming, and since my first Walk On, in September 2022, I haven’t looked back. After my first Walk On meet I remember telling my friends and family what a positive experience it had been. It had given me a reason to go out, be with like-minded people and socialise.
“Walk On is a really nice, informal and relaxed setting. There really is something wonderful about walking and talking in the outdoors and I have found it quite therapeutic, talking freely with others in a safe space, who understand how you feel.
“Walking is something I really enjoy and I have in fact become a volunteer Walk Leader for the group – helping plan new routes to give people a greater variety of choice. Since I joined Walk On, we have explored so many lovely locations, such as Felixstowe, Suffolk Food Hall, Woodbridge, Melton and Holywells Park.
“It is hard to put into words the difference Walk On has made to me, but I always tell people about how warm and welcoming the group is, and I would highly recommend Walk On to anyone experiencing grief.”
Michael Abbott
“I have been attending Walk on since November 2022. Dennis and his wife Sarah (who host Walk On) are incredibly caring and ensure everyone feels looked after. Dennis never forgets a name and always welcomes you with open arms.
“When at a Walk On meet, you can expect to meet a very friendly group of people, where everyone makes sure no one walks alone and everyone is included.
“The coffee at the end of the walk is a great chance for a chat with people who truly understand what you’re going through, creating a nice atmosphere where you can talk things through – it’s very reassuring. The walk and exercise are great, but the coffee and conversation at the end are invaluable. I would thoroughly recommend Walk On to anyone.”
Cynthia Henderson
“Walk On is such a lovely group. I joined in February 2023 and I have been on over ten Walk On meets since then, and it has really helped me since the loss of my husband.
“After the loss of a loved one, you can feel alone and often people struggle to know how to talk to you, but through Walk On I have met many people going through the same experiences as me, and they understand my situation. As well as this, Dennis and Sarah are brilliant group organisers, who have given so much time to develop Walk On and helped so many people at the same time.
“We really do talk about everything, have laugh as a group, a chinwag and put the world to rights. I have made a number of good friends through Walk On and as group we all try and help each other.
“The coffee and cake at the end of each walk is a real highlight too, and we also have a Christmas lunch meet up, which is great. Walk On is such a lovely crowd of people, open to all, with an ethos of helping one another and we always enjoy welcoming new people who join.”