Walking Communities for Fresh Air and New Mates
In such a technologically driven world, where dropping your nan a message takes a couple of clicks or where your life can be documented on Facebook for everyone to see, it’s hard to properly connect with the community that surrounds you. Technology has progressed a disconnect in the relationships we form, which is especially found in young people. A generation that finds it particularly difficult to have the confidence to start a conversation with like-minded individuals.
Despite that first big hurdle in making friends, communities such as Girlies in Leeds and many others have knocked that down for you by creating a relaxed and chill space for doing fun activities and connecting with others. There are spaces for everyone, from women to men, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who suffer with mental health, all finding common ground in stepping outside and experiencing the small things in life, from strolling in the park to a chic-flick movie night.
Below are some suggestions of where you can start, with details on what they represent and offer!
come outside
A group that ‘brings humans together, regardless of age or ability, through enjoying the benefits of the outdoors’ is Come Outside, a Leeds outdoor community. Every Saturday they run a free 2.5km walk or a 5km run at 8.45am, starting at Oakwood Clock, Leeds, (LS8 1SD) and ending with a post-run coffee and breakfast. Promoting to go at your own pace, you can even engage with friendly competition as they post leaderboards through their Strava webpage.
girls who walk
Another group that celebrated its anniversary in October was Girls Who Can Walk, a Leeds walking and social group that is committed to their weekly walks around Leeds City Centre for all age groups. Inclusivity is a focal point of this community as it strives to create a space for non-binary people and people of the LGBTQIA* community, including celebrating Pride with a picnic! Join their WhatsApp to get regular updates.
www.linktr.ee/girlswhowalkleeds
Girlies in Leeds
Founded by Tamzin and Georgia, who themselves found each other through similar groups, Girlies in Leeds is an 18+ community that aims to create a ‘real long-term safe space for our girlies’. Established only recently in August, their social media is thriving, with events lined up for the rest of the year. From the recent Hocus Pocus private screening at MetFilm School to an upcoming Christmas party in The Electric Press, there is something for everyone. However, these events are mostly ticket-based, so keep an eye out before they sell out on their events page!
www.linktr.ee/girliesinleeds
Leeds dads
These groups are not just for young people Leeds Dads is a voluntary organisation whose vision is ‘a city of confident and caring Dads who are actively involved as parents to build successful relationships with their children’. This involves a vast range of fun activities, from Sunday walks (their next one is on the 3rd of November at Golden Acre Park), evening support sessions, and soft play, perfect for both dad and child! On their website, you’ll find plenty of options to get involved and read personal experiences from the dads themselves.
Mental Health Mates Leeds
Finally, on our list is a familiar face in this magazine, Mental Health Leeds. Established in 2016 through humble beginnings, the organisation stretches across the UK, including Leeds. They are a community peer support group that joins people that struggle with mental health to help you feel good by surrounding yourself with nature. This group has no criteria to meet, only open arms. Walk and Talk host Michelle highlights walking as a benefit, making ‘things a bit easier to manage’ and how being around others helps you ‘feel connected and less alone’. Follow their newsletter to get updates on their next walk.
Contact Michelle to be added to the mailing list and find out about the next walk: [email protected]
Now that winter is approaching and the wind and rain try to keep us inside, it might deter you to make the first step and mingle. But give these wonderful groups a chance, and it might warm you up, ready for the cold.
Thank you to Olivia Davies for her valuable contribution to this post.
