Walk & Talk Programme
Gentle walking and conversation sessions that reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and build community connections.
Walk & Talk began as a simple idea: to bring local residents together for gentle exercise, connection and conversation. Each Saturday at 10:00am, participants met at the New Horizon Centre and walked together to Sherwood Park Hall, where we shared tea, biscuits and guided conversation.
How the Programme Works
Programme at a Glance
| When | Saturdays, 10:00am |
| Where | From New Horizon Centre to Sherwood Park Hall |
| Duration | 5 consecutive weeks |
| Pace | Gentle and supportive, suitable for people with physical limitations or long‑term health conditions |
Weekly Session Flow
- Meet at New Horizon Centre
- Gentle group walk to Sherwood Park Hall
- Tea and biscuits on arrival
- Guided conversation session (participants choose topics)
- Return walk back together to New Horizon Centre
More Than Just a Walk
Over five weeks, a consistent group of residents attended. The walk became a regular routine and a shared achievement, particularly for those living with health challenges. The fresh air, steady pace and sense of arriving together gave participants a noticeable boost in confidence and wellbeing.
At Sherwood Park Hall, the group spent time sitting together and taking part in guided conversations. Each week, participants were encouraged to select a topic from their own lives. Discussions were friendly, respectful and often deeply meaningful, with people sharing experiences, offering advice and listening to one another. This created a genuine sense of trust and community.
What Participants Told Us
Participants reported that Walk & Talk:
- helped them feel less isolated
- increased confidence by being part of a group
- gave them opportunities to build new friendships
- supported their wellbeing and motivation
Over time, the return walk to the New Horizon Centre became noticeably easier. As relationships grew, the journey felt shorter filled with laughter, conversation and encouragement.
Outcomes & Community Impact
Walk & Talk proved to be a simple, low‑cost initiative with strong community impact in Pollards Hill.
- Increased social connection and reduced isolation
- Gentle physical activity embedded into people’s weekly routine
- Improved confidence and sense of achievement for participants
- A model that can be replicated with minimal resources
- Stronger relationships between residents and local community spaces
Benefits for Residents and Local Economy
Walk & Talk supports wellbeing by reducing stress, improving mental health and tackling isolation — particularly for self‑employed residents and those working alone. The sessions combine gentle physical activity with supportive peer discussion, building confidence, resilience and motivation.
This contributes to a healthier community, improved employability and stronger participation in the local economy.
Funded by Wimbledon Foundation
Walk & Talk in Pollards Hill was funded by the Wimbledon Foundation. Their support enabled us to deliver positive, accessible community activity that improved connection, physical activity and wellbeing for local residents. We are grateful for their commitment to grassroots community programmes.
