Occupational Therapy News July 2020 | Page 54

FEATURE MENTAL HEALTH
Keeping a walking group
connected during
lockdown
© GettyImages/bo1982
When a community mental health walking group had to
cease, due to COVID-19 lockdown, Jessica George
went to great lengths to keep the memory of the walking
group and its benefits fresh in people’s minds, while
supporting its members to stay connected
As a rotational band five occupational
therapist on my community mental health
placement, I have the opportunity to corun
the Gabalfa Walking Group. For seven
years now, this walking group has taken place weekly
and involves walking around the beautiful Bute Park in
Cardiff and stopping for refreshment in the café.
The walking group is available to clients under the
community mental health team who have persistent
mental health conditions.
Many studies have demonstrated the positive
impact of exercise on mental health, including
promoting better sleep and reducing anxiety.
Participating in leisure occupations enhances
physical wellbeing, mental health and social
functioning (Ball et al 2007).
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it became clear
that the walking group would have to be postponed
indefinitely to protect the health of our group
members, staff and to help suppress the spread of
the virus.
The walking group was based on the Walking for
Health framework (www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/) to
encourage physical activity in the community. As well
as promoting physical health, the walking group is
also an opportunity for social engagement.
A study on walking as a meaningful leisure
occupation found that participants identified four
key benefits from attending a regular walking group:
social connectedness; wellbeing; connection to
nature; and achievement from a challenge (Wensley
and Slade 2012).
Although we are providing regular support to
group members via telephone, I wanted to keep the
memory of the walking group and its benefits fresh in
their minds.
54 OTnews July 2020