Supportive women step out
A COMMUNITY walking group for woman that was created to keep people physical and social and give them hope across Cairns has reached a milestone with about 760 members.
Jo Piggott from Cairns created a walking group called Your Tribe to keep locals connected. Ms Piggott said what started with one walk a week has been increased to five a week and 60-70 core members weekly.
“I have loved watching the group grow especially this past year,” she said.
“Your Tribe has given women a safe, healthy and supportive community through walking and talking.
“I find there’s a lot of woman that don’t get out and about or they’ve lost confidence or don’t get out there.
“I just think sometimes a lot of people lose connection because they’re busy mums or busy working or getting older or they just want that other
person to go walking with.”
Ms Piggott said it had been great for people’s mental
health within the group.
“The group helps combat isolation and created a place to
belong,” she said. “A sense of belonging is crucial for good physical and mental health.
“I believe our mental fitness, physical fitness all goes hand in hand.”
The group was first created in 2019 after she had been quite ill in 2018. Ms Piggott said a lot of business people she knew had shown support and cooked for her.
“I started Your Tribe in 2019 as a way of giving back to a community that had helped me take my first steps after becoming critically ill in 2018,” she said.
The group has even walked together in places like Magnetic Island.
Ms Piggott said the walks they organised each week also showcased the region.
They do a sunset Clifton Beach walk, a Monday mountain walk and the Yellow Arrow.
The group organises a range of events. The first event for the year is the RSL International Women’s Day high tea where 30 of the members will be attending.