Walk & Talk, Bray

Description

The 10-Week Walk & Talk Programme was developed to support individuals living with chronic health conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Mental Health and other long-term illnesses. Delivered in Bray, the programme aimed to improve physical activity levels, enhance mental wellbeing, and encourage social connection through structured group walks and health-focused engagement.

Sessions took place twice a week, on Wednesday and Friday mornings, over the course of ten weeks. The programme was fully subscribed, with 12 participants registering and consistently attending throughout the duration. Each session was carefully planned and facilitated by Lisa Redmond, an experienced walking leader, who ensured that all activities were accessible, inclusive, and aligned with participants’ abilities and health considerations.

A key component of the programme was goal setting. At the outset, the group collectively agreed on a final challenge—to climb Bray Head by the end of the ten weeks. This goal served as a motivating milestone and symbolised the progress made by participants both physically and mentally. On Wednesday, 3rd July, the group successfully completed the climb, marking a proud and emotional achievement for many.

To further strengthen the social aspect of the programme, a WhatsApp group was set up amongst participants. This informal communication channel allowed members to stay in touch, arrange additional meetups for walks, catch up, and enjoy coffee together outside the scheduled sessions—encouraging lasting connections and peer support.

The programme was delivered in partnership with Alexandra Kelly, Social Prescriber from Bray Area Partnership. This collaboration was instrumental in identifying suitable participants through social prescribing pathways and ensuring support was available where needed. The initiative aligns with broader community health and wellbeing objectives, particularly the promotion of non-clinical supports for managing long-term conditions.

Overall, the 10-Week Walk & Talk Programme demonstrated strong outcomes in terms of participant engagement, physical activity improvement, peer support, and confidence building. Feedback from participants highlighted increased motivation, reduced isolation, and a greater sense of achievement and ever lasting friendships—underlining the value of community-based health interventions.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the 10-Week Walking and Wellbeing Programme was to support individuals living with chronic health conditions—such as asthma, COPD, and other long-term illnesses—by promoting physical activity, improving overall wellbeing, and reducing social isolation through structured, community-based group walks.

The initiative sought to empower participants to take an active role in managing their health, build confidence in their physical abilities, and encourage a sense of community through shared goals and peer support. By offering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, the programme aimed to enhance both the physical and mental health outcomes of those taking part, while also demonstrating the effectiveness of social prescribing as a non-clinical intervention.

Who is it aimed at

This initiative was specifically aimed at adults living with chronic health conditions, including asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and other long-term illnesses that may impact daily functioning and overall wellbeing.

The programme was designed for individuals who could benefit from gentle, supported physical activity in a community setting—particularly those who may experience social isolation, reduced mobility, or low confidence as a result of their health condition. Referrals were primarily made through the social prescribing network, ensuring that participants who might not typically access mainstream exercise or wellbeing programmes were included and supported.

3 Steps critical to success

1. The success of the 10-Week Walk & Talk Programme was shaped by several strategic elements. The following three steps were particularly critical to achieving strong engagement, positive health outcomes, and overall programme impact:

   Step 1. Collaborative Partnership and Referral Pathways
   The partnership with Bray Area Partnership, particularly through the involvement of Social Prescriber Alexandra Kelly, was fundamental to the programme’s success. Through established referral pathways, the initiative reached individuals who were most in need—those managing chronic illnesses and at risk of social isolation. This collaboration ensured that participants were not only appropriately referred but also supported holistically throughout the programme.

2. Step 2. Skilled Leadership and Participant-Centred Delivery
   The role of the walking leader, Lisa Redmond, was instrumental. Her ability to adapt sessions to meet a range of physical capabilities, while encouraging a positive and inclusive atmosphere, enabled participants to build confidence and engage consistently. Her supportive approach encouraged participation, helped manage health-related concerns, and created a safe space for all attendees.
3. Step 3. Clear Goal Setting and Group Motivation
   Establishing a shared end goal—summit Bray Head—was a powerful motivator. It gave the group a collective sense of purpose and direction, helping to maintain engagement over the 10 weeks. A WhatsApp group was also set up amongst participants to arrange meetups for walks, catch-ups, or coffee, further strengthening social bonds and peer support. The achievement of this goal created a sense of accomplishment and pride among participants, reinforcing the value of gradual progress and peer support in promoting both physical and emotional wellbeing.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. 1. Managing Varying Health Needs and Fitness Levels
   Participants presented with a range of chronic health conditions and different levels of mobility and fitness. Ensuring that each session was inclusive, safe, and appropriately paced for all individuals required careful planning, adaptability, and continuous monitoring by the walking leader.
2. 2. Weather-Dependent Activities
   As the programme was primarily delivered outdoors, adverse weather conditions occasionally impacted session attendance and required last-minute adjustments. Sustaining motivation and ensuring consistency during periods of adverse weather presented a challenge.
3. 3. Sustaining Engagement Beyond the Programme
   While participants were highly engaged during the 10 weeks, a common challenge was supporting continued physical activity and peer connection after the programme concluded. Identifying sustainable follow-up options or pathways for ongoing community involvement remains a key area for development.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. 1. Improved Physical Activity and Health Confidence
   Participants reported increased levels of physical activity and improved confidence in managing their health conditions. Regular walking sessions helped individuals gradually build stamina and strength in a supportive environment tailored to their capabilities.
2. 2. Reduced Social Isolation and Enhanced Wellbeing
   The group-based nature of the programme encouraged social connection, reducing feelings of isolation often experienced by those living with chronic illnesses. Participants formed friendships, offered peer support, and developed a sense of belonging, contributing positively to their mental wellbeing.
3. 3. Achievement of a Shared Goal and Increased Motivation
   All participants successfully completed the group’s collective goal of summiting Bray Head by the end of the 10-week programme. This achievement was a big win, giving a real sense of accomplishment and showing how effective a clear, goal-focused approach can be.