Wellbeing Walk

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I attend once or do I need to commit to attending regularly? The walk occurs weekly on Thursdays and participants are welcome to come as much or as little as they like. We have regular participants, and would love others to become regulars.
• What happens after I book via Eventbrite? All participants are required to complete the registration form on Eventbrite. You will be contacted via email or phone to have a chat with the walks coordinator ahead of your first walk.

The Line hosts a weekly wellbeing walk for anyone who may benefit from spending time outdoors. Aiming to improve wellbeing, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, these free guided walks explore the wildlife, art and heritage along The Line in Newham. Come and join a friendly group of walkers in your local area and boost your wellbeing!

When: 11am on Thursdays.

Start: meet inside Jim & Tonic at The Print House, 133 High Street, E15 2RB

End: we finish the walk at The House Mill at around 12pm, with complimentary tea or coffee until 1pm.

What to expect on the wellbeing walk:

• The walk will be led by our friendly and welcoming guides: Lorna Powell, The Line's Engagement Producer, and one of The Line’s youth guides. Our walks have a welcoming and positive atmosphere where participants can socialise with others, enjoy the natural surroundings, and learn some mindfulness techniques they can incorporate into their own lives. Sessions are a safe space where participants are welcome to share their experiences regarding mental health.

• The walk is completed at a gentle pace, taking approximately 30 minutes with stops along the way to pause, reflect and make conversation. There are several opportunities to sit and rest along the route. The walk incorporates come mindfulness exercises and creative activities – these are completely optional.

• Participants are encouraged to prepare appropriately for the expected weather - whether that be with suncream, layers or a waterproof. We walk in sun and rain! Please wear comfortable footwear. We always end the walk with a free tea or coffee over conversation at The House Mill at around 12pm – this is optional. There is a toilet at the meeting point, Jim & Tonic, as well as at the end point, The House Mill.

Who can join?

The wellbeing walk is for everyone! If you think you would benefit from some light exercise in the outdoors and meeting other local people, then the wellbeing walk is for you. Our walks have been beneficial for those experiencing isolation, anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other similar challenges, but no specific diagnoses or referrals are needed.

Note: if you are an external group that would like to join a walk on The Line, please email Juma Harding-Dimmock on juma@the-line.org to discuss hosting a separate walk. We offer walks for corporate, non-profit, charity and cultural organisations which can be booked for a fee.

How to join:

You can refer yourself using our referral form, by speaking to your local social prescriber or link worker, by booking your place on our Eventbrite here or emailing us on wellbeing@the-line.org. Please advise us of any access requirements in advance and we will aim to accommodate where possible. If you have any further questions, you can call on 020 3488 9250 or email wellbeing@the-line.org.

You will need to fill out a referral form when you book your space on Eventbrite.

Guidelines:

Our walks are designed to be safe and welcoming for everyone. We ask that you please:

• Accept others without judgement.
• Look after each other – e.g. go at the slowest person’s pace.
• Be responsible for yourself. We share responsibility for making our walks wonderful.
• If there are any issues, let the walk leader know.
• Please ensure that you treat staff and participants with respect. Abusive and discriminatory behaviours of any kind will not be tolerated.
• Remember that conversations, although outdoors, still remain confidential.
• This is a space where wellbeing is prioritised and emotions and feelings are discussed. Guidance on where to find mental health support is available should you need this.

Transport options:

Bus – 25, 108, 276, 425, D8

Stop M Warton Rd (coming from Bow) – approx. 2 minute walk

Stop L Abbey Lane (coming from Stratford) – approx. 2 minute walk

DLR – Pudding Mill Lane, Stratford High Street – approx. 10 minute walk

Taxi – ask driver to pull into Sugar House Lane, right next to Jim & Tonic at Print House Bar on Sugar House Island

Car - you can park for free at the Tesco Superstore (1 min walk from the House Mill, where the walk ends, and approx. 10/15 minute walk from Jim & Tonic, where the walk starts)