Spotlight on the Walking Group & the Allotment Group!

 

In a new addition to this years Green UPLIFT programme we now have two regular outdoor groups in the Walking group and the allotment group . We spoke to group leaders Neil and Julie to find out more about the group and their connection to the great outdoors.

The Walking Group 

Walking group leader Neil has always appreciated the outdoors, much of his childhood was spent outside exploring and adventuring. Now, Neil tells us, being outdoors brings him a kind of peace he doesn’t find anywhere else.

“I resisted the idea of the outdoors to help with my mental wellbeing because I had years of being quite sedentary in my adulthood. But over the last 5 years I can honestly say it’s become one of my main tools to help me manage my mood and general health.”

The idea behind the walking group is to get out into some of the beautiful countryside that we are lucky to have in Barnsley, to find strange and wonderful nooks and crannys of our many footpaths, parks and fields, and explore places we’re guilty of passing without taking much notice.

Neil says, “I think there's something magical about the outdoors, the gentle pace of walking and talking with people. Gently strolling the stresses of everyday life away. Watching my dog willow at her happiest whilst we’re out - it's my greatest joy.”

The walking group meets every Friday afternoon from midday, alternating between easy park strolls and more challenging walks (around 4-5 miles). Information about each walk is shared in ‘weekly run down’ texts that are sent out at the beginning of the week. Neil would love to see you on a walk soon!

The Allotment Group 

Here at Green UPLIFT we are thrilled to own a little patch of a larger Community Allotment managed by Barnsley YMCA which we tend to collectively through the allotment group weekly meet ups on Wendnesday’s from 12-3pm.

Group leader Julie describes the allotment as ‘Your Garden’, it is for the UPLIFT community to come along and enjoy whether that be by getting stuck in and getting your hands dirty or coming for a cuppa and a chat. Julie explains that everyone is welcome at the allotment, you don’t have to do any gardening if you don’t want to. There’s no pressure to be an expert, you really take from it what you wish. For those who like to come along to relax and connect, the kettles always on, there’s always a conversation to be had and there’s materials available for uplifter’s to sketch and get their creative juices flowing. On the other hand, for those who wish to get their hands dirty , there’s work to be done whether it be weeding or watering or tending to the wild flower patch and vegetable patch. Julie tells me they are onto a good crop of cucumber and tomatoes at the moment with the plan to use the home grown veg to make a meal at a future green uplift. Sounds delicious!

Julie who has been a participant of Creative Recovery and the Green UPLIFT project for the last few years says that she used to consider being amongst nature a luxury in previous years. Now it is a necessity for her wellbeing and mental health.

‘The fresh air does me the world of good, just being out outdoors heightens my senses, I like going back to the roots, I find it very grounding. Nature to me is exciting.  To plant a seed and watch it grow is magical.’

This wonderful space is also used for monthly Allotment Socials 3.00-7.30pm when the
evenings are lighter. These ever-popular gatherings include green crafts, gardening, food, campfires and live music. Keep an eye on the Live Arts Cafe programme or call Helen on 07833 936 019 to find out more.

The allotment group meets at the Barnsley YMCA community allotment on Shaw Lane every Wednesday, 12-3pm. Julie would love to welcome new uplifters along to share in her passion for the outdoors and it’s benefits on our wellbeing.