Carers enjoy mindfulness walks at Wigan beauty spot

A walk in the fresh air and a good chat proved to be the perfect tonic for a group of carers.
Dionne Carroll leads walkers Hazel and Graham White, Michael Hurst, Lisa Gee and Joan JohnsonDionne Carroll leads walkers Hazel and Graham White, Michael Hurst, Lisa Gee and Joan Johnson
Dionne Carroll leads walkers Hazel and Graham White, Michael Hurst, Lisa Gee and Joan Johnson

Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre organised mindfulness walks around Amberswood Nature Reserve to help people get active and socialise after the coronavirus lockdown.

With current guidelines stating people can only meet outside in groups of up to six at a social distance, the charity organised several walks involving small groups.

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The weather was good as they set off from the carers centre in Hindley and walked to the beauty spot, enjoying a stroll lasting around an hour.

People could enjoy the flora and fauna, take in the fresh air and catch up with friends or make new ones.

One carer described it as “a lovely escape” and another said the walk had given them more confidence.

Refreshments were served afterwards thanks to funding from Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisations.

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Dionne Carroll, the centre’s training and support officer, said: “They went incredibly well. Everyone loved it.”

Dionne said people were keen to know when more walks would be held, so she is considering alternative locations for walks to take place at the end of August or early September.

It is hoped that going to different beauty spots will allow more carers to attend.

The charity continued to support carers across the borough during the pandemic by taking many of its services online, such as coffee mornings and courses.

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It has this week been delivering 100 bags of free items related to health and well-being, such as water bottles and stress balls, to parent carers selected at random.

Staff have returned to the centre on Frederick Street, which has been refurbished, and preparations are being made for groups and other activities to resume in coming weeks and months.

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