Walking Together: Supporting Carers’ Wellbeing Through Shared Outdoor Activity
April 16, 2026Posted by:
Walking Together: Supporting Carers’ Wellbeing Through Shared Outdoor Activity
Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting family members and friends, often balancing complex responsibilities with little time to focus on their own health and wellbeing. Opportunities that support carers to move more, connect with others, and spend time outdoors can make a meaningful difference.
As part of our commitment to carers’ wellbeing, we were pleased to support activities aligned with Carers Active Together 2026, an initiative led by Carers UK. The day recognises that being active doesn’t need to be formal or demanding it can be social, flexible, and shaped around the realities of caring.
Recently, carers and those they support joined us for a series of guided walks in accessible, scenic locations, offering space to move, talk, and connect in a supportive environment.
Gloucester Docks and Alney Island
One of the walks took place at Gloucester Docks, with the group exploring the nearby Alney Island. The route provided a gentle, manageable walk surrounded by water and green space, making it suitable for people with different abilities and confidence levels.
Carers shared how valuable it felt to step away from daily pressures:
“I’m usually rushing from one thing to the next. Being here helped me slow down and clear my head.”
For some, the most important part wasn’t the walk itself, but the shared experience:
“Everyone understood what it’s like to be a carer. I didn’t have to explain myself, I could just be.”
Walking at Westonbirt
Another group enjoyed a walk and craft session around Westonbirt, where the natural surroundings created a calm and restorative atmosphere. Time in nature offered carers the chance to reset, reflect, and enjoy a change of pace.
“I didn’t realise how much I needed this until I was there,” one carer reflected. “It reminded me that looking after myself matters too.”
Others spoke about how accessible the activity felt:
“This felt achievable. There was no pressure just turning up and being welcomed.”
Why these activities matter
Initiatives like Carers Active Together 2026 focus on reducing barriers to physical activity for carers, acknowledging challenges such as lack of time, energy and confidence. Group walks offer a practical and inclusive way for carers to be active while also benefiting emotionally and socially.
Carers repeatedly highlighted the importance of feeling connected:
“Even walking alongside others, without talking much, made me feel less alone.”
These comments underline how shared activity can support both physical health and emotional wellbeing, helping carers feel seen, valued and supported.
Looking ahead
Supporting carers’ wellbeing requires approaches that are realistic, compassionate and person centred. Gentle activities such as group walks create opportunities for carers to prioritise their own health in a way that feels manageable and supportive.
We are proud to support activities that reflect the values of Carers Active Together 2026 and look forward to continuing to create spaces where carers can move, connect and take time for themselves.
April 16, 2026Posted by:
