Walking Through Loss
Walk and Talk Grief Support
Free Group
meeting in various locations in North and West Yorkshire
Next dates...
Otley - 5th Dec '24
Ilkley - 28th Jan'25
Skipton - 26th Feb '25
Click here for more information about dates, times and locations...
and come along to this welcoming and friendly group, to feel the benefits of walking in nature as you chat to others who are also experiencing loss.
Some of the ways a walk and talk group can help when you're grieving.
Healing Power of Nature
The sights and sounds of nature, can be healing. Being surrounded by natural beauty can help ease emotional tension and offer comfort in a way that feels peaceful and grounding. Nature gently bring you into the present moment, allowing you to find small pockets of peace in the here and now.
Companionship and Understanding
Walking with others who understand or have experienced loss can help you feel less alone. Having companions who “get it” can lighten the heaviness, even if words aren’t spoken.
Sense of Belonging
Grief can feel isolating, but walking with a group creates a sense of belonging. Shared silence or small conversations can remind you that you’re not alone on this journey, which can feel comforting and supportive.
Benefits of Movement
Gentle movement helps boosts endorphins and lowers cortisol levels, helping relieve the stress that comes with grieving. It can also lift mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety that often accompany grief.
Gentle Release of Painful emotions
Physical movement can help release pent-up emotions and tension. Sometimes, grief can make you feel "stuck" emotionally, and moving helps process feelings that are difficult to express in words.
Improved Sleep
Grief can disrupt sleep patterns, and regular physical activity can help regulate them. Improved sleep supports emotional resilience, which can make navigating grief more manageable.
Routine and Sense of Control
Grief can create feelings of chaos and loss of control. Physical activity can be structured, giving you a routine and a sense of accomplishment, no matter how small. It might be that this Walking Through Loss group gives you what you need in this area, or it might be that another form of movement and exercise is more suitable for you. Be led by what feels right for you.
Shared Space for Reflection
Walking together creates a space where memories and stories can be shared openly or quietly reflected upon. Knowing there’s a safe, understanding space for whatever you need to express can help lighten your heart.
Strength in Connection
Grief can make us feel fragile, but in a group, there’s strength in connection. Walking side by side with others who also carry their own stories reminds you that there’s resilience within, and together, you can find small steps toward healing.
This group doesn't aim to take away the pain of your grief.
It can't. But it can be a gentle, supportive experience which brings
some comfort and ease while you are grieving.
Practical Details
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There is no charge to attend.
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There are six places available.
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​The walks last for approximately an hour.
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Following the walk we will gather at a nearby cafe and chat over a cuppa for about an hour.
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The full event will be around 2 hours.
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Contact me to book and I will give you the details of our meeting point.
Call 0752 848 1228
or email josie@grievingandsupported.com​​
These are the next Walking Through Loss dates, times and locations
Thursday 5th December 2024 - Otley riverside
Walk from 10.30am until approximately 11.30am (meet at 10.20am)
followed by a drink in The Courthouse Café.
This event is part of National Grief Awareness Week which runs from 2nd to 8th December 2024.
Click to find out more
Tuesday 28th January 2025 - Ilkley riverside
Walk from 1.00pm until approximately 2.00pm (meet at 12.50pm)
followed by a drink at the Riverside Hotel.
Wednesday 26th February 2025 - Skipton Castle Woods
Walk from 10.30am until 11.30am (meet at 10.20am)
followed by a drink in the Brown Bag Café.
What else do I need to know?
Your Safety on the Walk
I am not qualified in any physical therapies and cannot give any guidance on this. So I ask that you take care of yourself on the walk and take responsibility for your own physical health. This means being sure that you are able to comfortably walk for about an hour.
I also ask that you have an emergency contact number in your pocket...just in case it is needed.
Informed Consent Form
To make sure that everyone on the walk is safe I ask each person to complete an informed consent form.
Information for Dog Lovers
I love dogs, and if you have a dog, you probably do too. But not everyone is comfortable with dogs. So for these Walk and Talk groups I ask that you don't bring your dog along.
Start Time of the Walks
I don't want to start the walks without you! So to make sure we all set off together, please can you arrive at least 10 minutes before we are due to start the walk.
Drinks Not Included
Even though this event is free to join, unfortunately I'm not able to include refreshments in that. So it will be a case of treating yourself when we get to the café.
This is a Peer Support Group
The purpose of this group is to offer peer support, and my goal is to facilitate that. It is not the aim of this group to offer therapy while we walk. Having said that I have taken a walk and talk therapy training to make sure I offer the best experience for everyone attending.
Please do give me a call if you have any
questions about the Walking Through Loss Group.
I look forward to walking alongside you.