Walking group helps women find their feet
AWALKING group which aims to bring women together has kicked off with its first hike.
Funded by Milnrow Co-op store’s community fund, the ‘Finding Her Feet’ walking group completed the first of a series of hikes with a trip to Piethorn Valley.
The aim of the group is to inspire women to find their feet again through peer support, sharing skills, lacing up their hiking boots and exploring our incredible countryside.
Seven women took part in the first adventure on May 9 and education and learning officer at Cooperative Heritage Trust, Cat Jessop, said she hopes more will join the project as word spreads.
Cat said: “This was the first in a series of sessions and walks planned for the project. We will continue to explore local hidden gems in Rochdale before lacing up our well worn walking boots and heading to the Yorkshire Dales where charity Duenorth will lead the women along some of the National Parks most stunning trails.
“When we’re not walking we will be sharing stories, learning about the heritage of hiking and of, of course, getting to grips with map reading without a google maps app in sight!”
For the first walk the group explored the hidden paths around the reservoirs and stumbled across a sea of beautiful bluebells in full bloom.
Cat added that the majority of the women have experienced trauma or loss through their lives, and the project is all about helping them to ‘get back on their feet’.
“It’s about getting the participants back on their feet, or at least contributing to that aim,” she said.
“We all know the benefits of getting together and getting outside and activethis project does it all.”
To donate to the project visit: www.cooperativeheritage. coop/ donate/ donate/5/credit-card and click the link to ‘Finding Her Feet (third donation box along).
Co-op shoppers can also swipe their membership card at the Milnrow store to donate.
To get involved in the project email: cat@heritagetrust.coop.