Friday 14th July 2017 - thursday walk extras

pics from Izzwalkz CP - thurs 13th July 2017

Posted 2:00pm
This is the first of a couple of blog entries today as there is a lot to cover.

I wanted to talk a little about our Izzwalkz initiative, what we are doing, where we are going, and how we are getting there.

I still recall our first walk last November 2016, four of us setting off. I was not sure if it would last, how it would go, if people would come, and if the medical practice (Highbury Grange) would continue to support it, and us.

All of those worries were unfounded.  I always wanted to introduce some kind of physicality into the walk, but I think it was important to just get it established.  It has become a terrific weekly event, with more than one of our regulars saying how much they "look forward every week" to coming along. It's not just the walk, but also the social inclusion. We have such a laugh.

The photos above were from our latest walk, yesterday morning.  Sheila, who came on our first ever walk, nearly eight months ago, was there alongside some of our other regulars. It tends to be the older generation who come along - which is terrific. We would like to get more people on JSA, ESA, or who are available during the day, to come along, but age is immaterial.

We have slowly been introducing different exercises - this week we brought along some gloves and pads. With a little bit of knowledge, I was able to instruct them on jabbing and punching, as well as doing an upper cut and a hook.  It's really a matter of just pushing to get people a little out of breath. Exercise is a proven answer to some mental health issues, as well as physical health issues. Making it fun and having a laugh is paramount.

Over the next few weeks we will be incorporating more stretches, and different exercises, bring along different pieces of equipment.  Like the boxing, actually having gloves and pads available made it more fun, and people made an effort.  Everyone said how much they enjoyed it afterwards.

Moving forward, we had an excellent meeting with a charity on Wednesday afternoon - and we will be putting in an application around Izzwalkz to get them expanded into five different Islington areas. At least we are getting noticed, which is terrific.