A walking group which helps deaf women get active, meet new people and explore nature is backing a new campaign being led by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
Bolton’s Deaf Asian Women’s Group meet once a week to explore their local area with people they can communicate with via British Sign Language.
The group, part of the Bolton Deaf Society, is supporting a wider campaign to enable more people to walk, wheel and cycle in Greater Manchester, and feature in TfGM’s first ever campaign video to be recorded in British Sign Language (BSL).
The ethos of this particular walking group is to help deaf Asian women overcome barriers to exercise, while also enriching their social, physical and mental wellbeing.
One of its members, Sameena Khan, has been visiting the Bolton Deaf Society centre in Bark Street for many years and was instrumental in re-starting the walking group after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sameena says that the regular walks have enabled members to re-build their confidence after long-periods of isolation and connect with new people.
“At that time, a lot of people had issues with their mental health, such as depression, and they had become lonely,” Sameena said.
“Prior to coming here I was struggling with my health myself and I just feel a lot better now.
Since joining the walks, I have more focus on my physical and my mental health and my overall wellbeing has improved.”
The group receives funding via the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund, enabling them to provide guided walks at a variety of beauty spots in and around Bolton. Sameena and her friends say it’s been a great way to explore nature and new places on their doorstep.
Sameena added: “We really enjoy the deaf group and getting out walking. It’s peaceful and you can just switch off. It’s lovely to get out and I feel better for doing it.
“Hearing people can just go for a run or a walk and have a chat. But for us, we don’t have that and experience barriers. You see people taking their dog for a walk, they are not looking at each other - hearing people can just chat away but that’s something we’re unable to do.
“It’s much better with the deaf group because we have the same etiquette and we know how to communicate with each other. We have a good laugh and enjoy a gossip too. There is no stress when we’re all out together.”
Transport for Greater Manchester’s summer active travel campaign is putting the spotlight on people and groups who are already enjoying the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling in their area.
Choosing active modes of travel can be an affordable or even free way to get around, while also boosting people’s fitness and wellbeing.
Greater Manchester’s walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure is also a key part of the Bee Network – the vision for a fully-integrated transport network, connecting all modes of transport.
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “It has been inspiring to learn how the Bolton Deaf Asian Women’s Group is helping people discover the benefits of walking while making new friends at the same time.
“I’m also delighted they have been able to share their love of walking in the Bee Network's first British Sign Language video.
“As they have shown so brilliantly, walking is a wonderful and accessible way of getting around – whether making a short trip within your neighbourhood, exploring nature or part of a longer journey on the ever-expanding Bee Network. And regardless of the journey purpose, walking is a great way to keep physically active and mentally well at the same time.”
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