Did you know that May is National Walking Month? The annual campaign, organised by charity Living Streets, celebrates and highlights the many health benefits of walking. At forum+ we think walking is wonderful and joining one of our wellbeing walks is a fun way to meet new people, unwind and discover nature on your doorstep in Camden and Islington.
Walking has several benefits for our physical health including reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. There are also many mental health benefits with Mind, the mental health charity, advising that walking and exercising outdoors can improve mood, reduce stress and help you feel more relaxed.
Joining a group walk is a great way to meet new people and to connect with your community. Gently exercising and socialising with a peer group has enormous benefits for those who are socially isolated and lonely. At forum+ we love interacting outdoors, and as we walk and talk connections are being made and friendships forged.
forum+ Wellbeing Walks are free to join and take place across the many beautiful green spaces in the boroughs of Camden and Islington. We take four long walks each year, one for each season and also enjoy shorter wanders through local nature reserves, farms and parks. Many of our walks finish at cafes where we enjoy a refreshing drink and chat about the sights we’ve seen.
Our recent spring walk took place in Waterlow Park and finished with a visit to historic Lauderdale House. On our springtime stroll we watched for wildlife and saw goslings, baby moorhens, coots and ducklings, take to the water for the first time. There were spectacular views to take in, including vibrant displays of blooming flowers and trees including magnificent magnolias and cherry blossoms.
Over the weeks ahead and summer months we invite LGBT people in Camden and Islington to engage in our outdoor social support groups. A warm welcome awaits and we’re looking forward to connecting with nature at gardening sessions, group walks, kayaking at the Pirate Castle, visit to Freightliners Farm and at many more outdoor activities.
For more information on National Walking Month visit the official campaign organisers at https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/ If you would like to find out information on upcoming forum+ community engagement and social support groups please email info@forumplus.org.uk, follow forum+ social media @forumplus and visit our website www.forumplus.org.uk
