Most of us will experience loneliness at some point in our lives. For many people, especially the older generation, this isn’t a fleeting experience, but one that can define and shatter your life. Ramblers Cymru is working to change this by encouraging people to join their local walking group.
The need for action is increasingly understood and Ramblers Cymru is working hard to combat this through leading local walking groups.
Within in the UK, research shows that[i]:
- more than 9 million people always or often feel lonely
- around 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month
- up to 85% of young disabled adults – 18-34 year olds – feel lonely
With around 20 million adults also failing to meet UK government recommendations for physical activity[ii], walking is the obvious answer to help combat loneliness and isolation whilst also maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Ramblers Cymru is working to change this by encouraging people to join their local walking group.
Local resident of Ceredigion, Dwynwen Belsey, walks with Aberystwyth Ramblers each week. She said:
“It’s well-established that walking is good for you, but it also helps people develop social skills, and build confidence too.
“Life has its ups and downs and walking helps because it has a therapeutic effect,” explains Dwynwen. “The difference walking with the group has made to me, is fantastic. I have the confidence to volunteer through leading walks and helping maintain the public footpaths so that more people can enjoy the benefits of walking”.
Director of Ramblers Cymru, Angela Charlton, said:
“It’s inspiring to hear about groups like Aberystwyth Ramblers and the fantastic work they are doing locally to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Ceredigion. Loneliness and isolation is becoming a real issue people from all walks of life in Wales are faced with. Our vision in Ramblers Cymru is to work towards combatting this and ensuring we encourage people to use group walking as a way to a healthier lifestyles, mentally and physically”.
The positive, social effects walking with a group has had on Dwynwen has also inspired her to volunteer at Ramblers Cymru’s annual challenge event. The Big Welsh Walk, starting in Devil’s Bridge, Ceredigion on Saturday 2 June has four walks to choose from, ranging from 6 to 20 miles. Participants can challenge themselves through the stunning landscapes, highlighting breath taking scenery along the way.
You can find out more about the local walks led by Ramblers Cymru by visiting www.ramblers.org.uk/wales and to join the Big Welsh Walk www.ramblers.org.uk/bigwelshwalk .
[i] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-commits-to-government-wide-drive-to-tackle-loneliness
[ii] British Heart Foundation (2017) Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Behaviour Report. www.bhf.org.uk/publications/statistics/physical-inactivity-report-2017
