Clogher Walk and Talk

Description

Every Tuesday evening during the summer, the older people of Clogher gather together to go for an hour long walk and talk on one of our local trails. Afterwards a cup of tea and more chat are enjoyed in the forge which was converted into a community tea room.

Aim of Initiative

To gather older people together for a social evening along with some welcome exercise. We are using our local walking trails and our local amenity of the community forge. The older people always leave feeling better both mentally and physically.

Who is it aimed at

Older people who may not have anyone to talk to during the day, so they can go for a walk in the evening with members of the local community.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Gathering a group of willing participants

   It is difficult at times to coax people out but the no pressure nature of the event made it easier. There are few who don’t enjoy a free cup of tea also.

2. Advertisement

   Getting the word out can be difficult, especially when most of our target market would not be on social media. Word of mouth seemed to be the best advertisement and when the word is positive, we had people flocking to the walks.

3. Persistence

   The third step of being persistent and making sure we were there every week was very important. Especially because some Tuesdays didn’t suit people. We also had to contend with the weather. As long as people knew it was there for them every Tuesday, they had the option.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. It was difficult to get people during the rainy days. Last summer was particularly difficult and it meant that the members didn’t get as many walks as we would have hoped. This has a knock on effect to our outcomes.
2. Commitment

   It was difficult at times to make sure we were there every week. It was always left to the few to bring the supplies for the tea and chat. It meant that these organizers didn’t get a break. Thankfully we persisted and the group benefitted.

3. Walking Trails wet

   There were times the walking trails weren’t in great condition due to the weather and some of the members struggled to get through parts of the walk. We tried our best to manage the situation, like on wet days we stuck to the road as much as possible.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Older people in the community feeling better

   The overall health of the walkers improved immensely over the weeks. Members who were always quite were now more open, members who were carrying unnecessary weight lost it.

2. Tighter bond in the community

   As a result of the walks the entire community benefitted from the tighter bonds that were created. People commented on how much more pleasant people were around each other. Also, the older people were now more approachable.

3. Walking Trails being used

   It was a complaint made by members of the community before the walk and talk sessions that no one used the beautiful walks that we had to offer, now we cant get people off the trails. Our local amenities are being used and enjoyed.