Who are TiG walks for?

TiG walks are for adults who have been bereaved and who feel that they would benefit from a walk and talk with others who are also grieving. It does not matter how long ago you experienced your bereavement – we very much understand that the pain of grief is ongoing.

What happens at a TiG walk session?

A lovely team of trained walk leaders hosts the walks each week. They will welcome you and make sure you feel comfortable in the group.

The 2-3 mile walks are tailored to your ability, so there is no need to worry about levels of fitness. The leaders make sure that the group stays together and that no one is left behind or on their own. We use specific systems of support to enable all abilities to enjoy an appropriate workout together without fear of being too slow. The leaders will ensure you are appropriately warmed up for the walk and then take you through a gentle cool down afterwards.

The focus is on ‘walk and talk’, rather than a workout, as we understand how valuable it can be to talk with others who may share similar experiences. With that in mind, every session ends with a cuppa and a chat in one of the cafés on campus.

The leaders are not trained counsellors but facilitate the walks so that participants can be active and talk to each other and the leaders as much or as little as they like. They can provide information about other means of grief support through other organisations.

What will I get out of it?

We know that being active can support mental health, and can be a particular help at times of bereavement. Walking in the fresh air provides many physical health benefits and it can lift the spirits. Many bereaved people also find support in being with others in a similar position – knowing that you are not the only one experiencing particular thoughts and feelings can be an incredible help. The aim of TiG is to provide safe and nurturing sessions for participants to experience the benefits of being active alongside other people in a similar position. We hope that, over time, friendships will be formed and that it will be a positive, healing experience for both body and mind.

“You can just walk and talk, and you don't have to talk about your grief. You can talk about all sorts of things, and it just helps to put everything in perspective. And it helps you to smile again.”

How have the sessions helped other people?

Our TiG programmes have been supporting people for some time now. The feedback confirms that the walks are helping participants at a very difficult time. For example:

“Everything has felt so welcoming and well organised, from my first emailed enquiry to first session and beyond. [The walk leaders] are both knowledgeable, informative, supportive, friendly and approachable [and] have really enabled the group to gel together, enjoy the walks and get the most of the community time. […] Being bereaved can feel lonely at times, so to feel so welcomed and included when taking a bold step of joining a new group of unknown others can be key to returning. This I would say is something Fitmums & Friends embraces and promotes and I would recommend the Together in Grief walks to anyone.” Sally

When and where are the TiG walks?

Our TiG walks take place every Wednesday at 09.30am at the University of Hull. Meet us in the Art Gallery within the Brynmor Jones Library building.

Parking is available on street and in the university’s Wilberforce multi-storey car park.

The Brynmor Jones Library (#27) and the Wilberforce car park are both marked on the university’s campus map here.

How much does it cost?

TiG walks are free to participants. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and support from the University of Hull, we are able to offer the walks at no cost to you.

How can I take part?

Just turn up! Come along whenever you feel a walk with company might help – no need to come every week (although you would be very welcome!).