Wigan carers urged to get in touch with nature on mindfulness walks

After the Government announced groups of up to six people could meet outside at a social distance, Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre decided to do something to support its members.

It is organising mindfulness walks around Amberswood Nature Reserve, where people can chat and get active, all within the current coronavirus-related guidelines.

Four walks will be held on July 22, setting off at 15-minute intervals from the carers centre in Hindley, followed by four more walks on July 29.

Dionne Carroll, the charity’s training and support officer, said: “The idea is to provide something for our carers to lift their spirits and do something around mindfulness.

“We are doing the walk at Amberswood so there is a lot of bird-life and plant-life. We want to get them out in the fresh air and they can bring the person they care for as well.”

The walks will last around an hour, do not include any steep inclines and will have their own walk leader.

Places are limited to follow Government guidelines on gatherings and people must maintain social distancing.

It will be a chance for the carers to get outdoors, many of whom have spent a great amount of time inside during the pandemic.

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

They have been delivering bags to carers to help with their mental health, carrying out carers’ assessments and providing advice on benefits and other issues.

The carers centre itself is being revamped and there will be measures such as hand sanitisers to prevent the spread of Covid-19 once it reopens.

Places can be booked at www.wlcccarers.com.

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