The idea for ‘Walk and Talk’ support walks came about when myself and a couple of colleagues Penny & Carla started going for a walk once a month at lunchtime at work.
We walked and chatted about all things, work and home life and it was lovely to be out in nature and just walk.
There is something very powerful about walking and talking. I think more is shared because you are just walking side by side. We thought if we were benefiting from the walks why not open it up to all.
So we set up walk and talk sessions with the help of our communications team and staff well-being lead & shared in Hospital newsletters. They are the last Tuesday in each month at lunchtime, a 20–30 minute walk, all staff welcome, no reason needed.
We offer a listening ear and kindness. Signposting to further support as appropriate and required. It’s to encourage staff to get into nature and boost their health and wellbeing at lunch time.
We started this walk and talk initiative in January 2024 and hope it grows as the spring and better weather arrives. We have ground rules, the walk leaders always have each others phone numbers if anyone goes off in front when talking for privacy and 2 out of the 3 leaders have to be present.
Karen our colleague has become a leader at PRH after hearing about them and joining us one month, she has recruited another colleague to ensure there are two leaders at our other hospital site.
We hope you like the idea and start at your Hospital Trust or other workplace safely and kindly.
Feel free to email if you want further information and the ground rules etc. Thank you for reading. Jules Lewis email [email protected] Penny Watson & Carla Webster