Active Thames-funded walks on the Thames Path enhance lives in Bexley

In 2022-23, Active Thames awarded a £5,000 grant to support the '215 Smiles' project, establishing two weekly walking groups along the Thames Path—one for individuals with learning disabilities and another for those experiencing mental ill-health. Early in 2024, Re-Instate received a further £5,000 to continue and expand these initiatives, as one of eleven groups to receive a boost courtesy of Tideway, the company building London's 25km state-of-the-art sewer. 

Re-Instate currently host three walking groups which follow the Thames Path in Erith. Earlier this month Chris Sawyer, our Lead Thames Vision and Partnerships manager, was fortunate to be able to join their Tuesday morning ‘Walkie Talkies’ group where participants spent the morning walking along the riverside towards Erith Pier, marking the start of their weekly sport focused day. 

Managed by Josh and Jack, Re-Instate's dedicated coordinators, these sessions form an essential part of charity’s broader Living Active project, which focuses on providing opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism with a range of sport and physical activities. In addition to these walking groups there is also a ‘Sensory Walking’ group which takes place every Friday with the support of an app developed by Sense, whereby the walks have been mapped out to include sensory inputs such as the noises of boats along the river, birds nesting in the trees and the smell of freshly cut grass. The group also take part in basketball, football, netball, and yoga, whilst making use of community facilities within the local area. 

“It was great to hear directly from the participants how much they enjoy these walks, and the level of growth in confidence and social engagement they have achieved from their involvement in Re-Instate's programme. One participant told me how much they loved the quiet and scenic routes along the path and mentioned that the walks have become a particularly favourite activity, which they now also enjoy with their family. Another participant appreciated the broader support from Re-Instate which has included creative writing, money management, dance, and cooking classes. It's clear that the holistic approach and the supportive environment the Re-Instate team have provided has been instrumental in improving participants overall wellbeing, confidence, and broader skills", Chris said. 

In addition to the walking and other activity sessions, Re-Instate also provide comprehensive support around employment and mental health. Participants can receive support with finding, and retaining paid employment, including support with writing CVs and interview preparation, volunteering, training, and education. The team also provide mental health and wellbeing support, working with participants to help them recognise, understand, and explain their emotions and feelings, as well as identifying ways to improve their mental health and wellbeing by recognising what works best for them. 

Re-Instate's success and firm place within the community is partly down to its strong community ties and effective referral systems. Participants have become aware of the programme through the Re-Instate employment service, but they also play an active role in the Thamesmead Partnerships Board, Disability Sports Network, and other forums, and receive referrals from the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, as well as self-referrals from participants themselves, following outreach that Re-Instate do within the local community through events and social media. 

“On behalf of the Active Thames partners and Tideway, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone I met at Re-Instate and also want to say how fantastic it was to see first-hand the positive impact that Active Thames funding has had in sustaining and expanding the walking group, and on the lives of these young adults in Bexley”, Chris concluded.