Delivering place-based wellbeing initiatives through community grants
New Year, fresh start! Beaumont Buddy Walking Club.
Female residents of the Beaumont estate in Leyton, east London, are being encouraged to start the new year healthy thanks to the Beaumont Buddy Walking Club.
Lbs for Peace, a holistic health movement aimed at women, has been awarded funding through our Foundation to arrange a weekly walking group.
The beginner-friendly group meets every Thursday for one hour with extended sessions on Saturdays.
Guides from Lbs for Peace meet residents at the Seddon Centre on the Beaumont estate. Together, they follow a scenic route through local green spaces.
In addition to supporting residents' mental health and wellbeing, the walks are an opportunity to signpost residents to the Foundation’s support services.
Funding for the female-oriented health drive came from the Foundation’s Community Fund, which awards grants based on feedback from residents.
This place-based approach to investing in local communities means that the Foundation maximises its impact by providing targeted support where the need is greatest.
Andrea Isip, Community Development Lead at L&Q, said:
“Exercising can be challenging, especially at this time of year, but getting healthy in the company of others is a great way of making it fun.
"Best of all, the walking club is free and has the advantage of keeping the winter blues at bay while making new friends.
"For the women who take part, it’s a chance to connect with nature, improve their health and make connections with other women in their community.
“Walking offers so many health benefits. In addition to improving fitness, getting out in the fresh air is mood-boosting, helps with weight loss and supports joint health. It also helps to promote mental wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety and depression.
"The walks can easily be incorporated into daily life, so we encourage women on the Beaumont estate to put on their walking shoes and join in!”
Jessica Apaloo, Founder and Director, Lbs 4 Peace CIC, said:
"We are thrilled to have partnered with L&Q on this initiative, focused on supporting the wellness of women in and around Beaumont Estate.
Our goal was to remove barriers to accessing local green spaces, promote inclusivity, and ensure both physical and psychological safety. Walking is a great way to stay active, connect with like-minded people, and show that this is an activity for all to enjoy."
A free pedometer is being offered for a limited time so that participants can track their steps.