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 Dennisestimating 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/
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About St Elizabeth Hospice
St Elizabeth Hospice improves life for people in East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney living with a progressive or life-limiting illness. Our work is centred on an individual’s needs, which means specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice. Through medicine and therapy we ease pain; we give life purpose and make life liveable.
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