In late 2024, the SCP applied for funding from Brighton & Hove City Council to deliver a walking project aimed at encouraging more walking across the city. In December, we were delighted to learn that our application had been successful, securing a £500 grant.
With this support, SCP committed to running monthly group walks in and around Brighton for people moving on from homelessness and living in temporary or emergency accommodation. The walks were open to both current SCP participants and new clients, with staff assessing suitability to ensure the project met individual needs.
We had already been offering quarterly walks, which were well-received, and feedback from our most recent Impact Day highlighted a strong demand for more frequent opportunities. Expanding to monthly walks allowed us to build on this success and align closely with SCP’s mission: reducing loneliness and isolation by creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can connect.
These walks offered more than exercise—they provided a rare opportunity to spend time outdoors, meet new people, and strengthen wellbeing in a relaxed and informal way. For many participants, walking was one of the few accessible forms of physical activity available. Sharing experiences during the walks also fostered trust, connection, and mutual support within the group.
Although the project was planned to begin in January 2025, poor weather led us to postpone until March. We ran two walks that month and completed the programme with a final walk in July. Each walk was led by a staff member, supported by one or two volunteers, ensuring that different walking abilities were accommodated. Routes included both familiar locations and new destinations such as the Black Rock Boardwalk.
Funding covered transport and refreshments for participants, staff, and volunteers. To improve accessibility, part of the budget was used to purchase a foldable seat that also functioned as a walking aid. Careful planning went into selecting routes to ensure inclusivity and accessibility throughout.
Ultimately, these monthly walks provided far more than physical activity—they created meaningful opportunities for connection, confidence-building, and belonging. For participants recovering from the challenges of homelessness, the project offered friendship, community, and the chance to rebuild wellbeing in a supportive environment.
Simon has always enjoyed the outdoors and used to love walking. Having taken part in previous walks with SCP, he was enthusiastic about joining the Walking Project this year. Being part of the walks made Simon feel great — he felt included and appreciated the opportunity to visit different locations with a friendly group.
He particularly enjoyed the sociable aspect of the walks and shared that he had made new friends through the experience. Simon described the staff as great hosts — inspiring and welcoming — and he valued the positive, inclusive atmosphere of the group.
Although Simon sometimes found it challenging to keep pace, as he considers himself a slower walker, he was grateful for the support and regular check-ins from both staff and other participants. He felt reassured being around people who genuinely cared.
Simon noted that the most significant change for him was expanding his social circle and making new connections. While he has always felt generally confident, the walks gave his self-esteem a welcome boost by surrounding him with positive, uplifting people.
His favourite walk was at Preston Park. The only downside for Simon was noticing a decline in his agility, which made him realise how his health has started to limit some of his physical abilities. Despite this, he remains eager to continue walking and hopes to join future walks in Rottingdean, including a visit to the windmill.
