Volunteers offer fortnightly walks to target isolation and loneliness
A CHURCH in Pentwyn is running fortnightly walks to encourage a healthy community while also bringing residents closer together after Covid’s social isolation.
Glenwood Church’s ‘Happy Wanderers’ started in the second week of December and walks take place on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month.
Meryl Dobson, 71, has been a Pentwyn local for over 40 years and came up with the idea of Happy Wanderers.
“I was approached by our church leader to think about ways in which we could serve the local communities of Pentwyn and Llanedeyrn for people who don’t have transport,” she said.
Meryl has always been a keen walker so when asked about an activity to provide, it was a no-brainer.
Her team consists of herself, her friend Hazel Baker, 72, and two volunteers that help out regularly.
Walks start at Glenwood Church and, after around an hour’s walk for two miles, finish back at the church.
“The routes change a lot per walk. Our favourite one at the moment is from Glenwood Church, down though Pentwyn Park and around the lovely lake that’s there and back,” said Meryl.
“I try and pick the leafy routes to ensure the walk is more scenic.”
Meryl sees no reason why the group can’t broaden its operations by expanding the walking routes.
“In the future, if we have enough transport, we might branch out more and head down to areas like Roath Park and the Howardian Local Nature Reserve,” she added.
The group acts as a symbol of inclusivity in the Pentwyn and Llanedeyrn communities, open to anyone who wishes to join.
“You don’t have to be a church-goer, you can be an atheist or anything you like. We don’t mind. We just want to welcome people of all faiths and beliefs,” said Meryl.
Alongside the exercise, these walks have also provided a welcome sense of relief from the Covid pandemic to many residents, helping to battle the loneliness caused by isolation.
Linda Jenkins, 66, who is a walker with the group said: “It’s so convenient as I do not need transport. I really enjoy the walks, and everyone is so friendly. There is no pressure and I feel quite at home with the group.”
Another member, June Way, 59, said: “It’s a great opportunity to spend time with others and have a good chat over coffee afterwards as well.”
Meryl firmly believes that it is at the group’s very core to offer both the encouragement to exercise as well as to act as an outlet for people to socialise.
“Getting the balance right between the exercise and the social aspect of it is so important. “I do get a sense of satisfaction that I’m helping other people on their road to fitness but there are people who are socially isolated and lonely, and we can also help with that too,” she said.
