A REDDITCH mum who set up a walking group during lockdown has praised the group for saving her mental health.
Sarah Street broke her ankle in April 2020 and as an avid runner wanted to keep her fitness up.
She started walking with her sister when lockdown was lifted, and as her foot healed she ventured further and completed longer distances.
Sarah said: “As lockdown has changed our lifestyles a lot, I felt that more people enjoyed getting out walking and wanted to continue this and stay active.
“Walking not only benefits our health to keep fit but helps our wellbeing and mental health.
“For myself being a single mum-of-four and carer to my youngest son with special needs, I can’t stress enough how much being active and getting out and about with friends has helped me.”
Last year Sarah opened up her group on Facebook, and now has over 500 members.
“The group has grown a lot over the last year and we regularly meet up at weekends and some weekdays to walk anything from six to 10 miles.
“I run the group in my respite from caring for my son.
“We mostly stay local to Redditch or other areas in the West Midlands but we have ventured out further to places such as the Cotswolds
“It’s an adult only group but the dogs join us and we usually end with a social drink in a cafe or pub.”
The group is open to everyone of all abilities.
“We have grown into a lovely group and formed friendships with like-minded people exploring our lovely surroundings, green areas and enjoying the outdoors.
“We all agree it’s great for out mental health and being part of a group has meant we can achieve more together.”
Visit Streety’s Strolls on Facebook to join the group.
