Walking through Grief  – Our program provides a place for people to talk, in your own time and share with others who understand.

Walking is good for our physical and mental health and the program offers ‘gentle exercise’ in a safe and supportive group.

We encourage people to attend our walks regularly as this helps in establishing rapport and connection with others. We hope that people will find the support and friendship beneficial. The groups are led and organised by experienced Palliative Care and Hospice Volunteers, who are all trained in grief and loss. We meet and walk regularly (weekly/fortnightly).

Your regional coordinator will provide you with a roster of planned walks in your area. We walk for approximately one hour and then come together at a café location to enjoy a coffee and snack and/or a picnic during the warmer months.

As a guide people are invited to remain with the program for up to 12 months.  The Coordinators will discuss with each person a reasonable timeline for leaving with considerations relative to each person’s situation. Suggestions and referrals to other community groups are discussed for people to consider if required.

Who this service is for

Anyone who is over the age of 18 years who has had a family member, friend or someone close to them die from a life limiting illness. The group is open to care givers and non-care givers of all relationships.  You are welcome to join the group anytime from seven weeks after the person has died.

Cost

There is no cost to join and walk with the group. You may choose to buy a snack and coffee at the cafe at the end of the walk. On picnic days people bring along some food to share.

Opening Hours

The group walk is usually on a Tuesday once a fortnight and starts at 10am during the warmer months, 10.30am in the cooler months.

Accessibility Support

A basic level of fitness is required for the walks which are conducted at a gentle pace.  It is important to talk through any concerns you may have about walking with your doctor and to let us know about anything which could impact on your ability to participate. If you think you may be unable to manage the walk, you are welcome to join us after for a coffee.

How this service is delivered

• Face-to-face

  This walk is organised for once a fortnight in various locations across the North West Coast that are suitable for walks, and have a cafe nearby. Once registered as a participant a roster with details is sent to you.

• Call or visit us online

  Call us for more information. We are open to self-referral, referral from a GP/health care professional or community group.
  Please contact your region’s Coordinator, for more information.

• We'll come to you (outreach)

  The Coordinator(s) will arrange to meet with you to provide details about the program, and discuss the roster or walks and a timeline for you to join.