Community Walk & Talk
Bringing Communities Together, One Step at a Time
Thanks to funding from Active Rother, Diversity Resource International (DRI) launched the Community Walk & Talk Project – an inclusive initiative designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and connect people from diverse communities through the simple act of walking together.
What began as a pilot project has created new friendships, developed community leaders, and laid the foundations for future community-led walking groups across the Rother district.
Building Community Leaders
A key part of the project was empowering local people to lead activities within their own communities.
In February 2026, nine local residents completed accredited Walk Leader Training delivered by Active Sussex. The training equipped participants with the skills and confidence to organise safe, welcoming community walks—and, even better, the project’s two pilot walks were successfully led by these newly trained volunteers.
By investing in local leadership, the project has helped ensure that inclusive walking activities can continue long after the pilot has ended.
Community Walks
During spring 2026, two pilot walks took place across the Rother district:
- 🌿 Hastings Cemetery and surrounding green spaces
- 🌊 Bexhill Seafront and Egerton Park
The walks welcomed 22 participants from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, including members of the German, Russian, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Caribbean, Malaysian, Arabic-speaking and Irish communities.
The events were designed to be accessible for everyone, bringing together:
- Older adults
- Families
- Young children
- New residents
- Long-term local residents
One walk even welcomed a 9-month-old baby in a pram, demonstrating that everyone could take part regardless of age or ability.
More Than Just a Walk
The Community Walk & Talk Project was about much more than exercise.
Participants enjoyed opportunities to:
- Meet new people
- Explore local parks and outdoor spaces
- Improve physical and mental wellbeing
- Share conversations and experiences
- Build friendships across cultures
- Feel more connected to nature and their local community
The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere encouraged meaningful conversations that helped reduce feelings of isolation while strengthening community connections.
Reaching Diverse Communities
The project successfully engaged communities who are often underrepresented in physical activity programmes.
Promotion took place through trusted local networks including:
- Community interpreters and bilingual advocates
- Faith leaders
- Local voluntary organisations
- Community centres, libraries and GP surgeries
- Social media
- Community partnership networks across Hastings and Bexhill
The project gained local media attention when DRI’s Community Coordinator, Anna Wang, joined Hastings Councillor Smith on BBC Sussex Weekly to discuss the importance of inclusive walking and community wellbeing.
The interview highlighted how walking can improve both physical health and social connection while recognising Active Rother’s support in making the project possible.
The Difference We Made
Participants said they felt:
✔ More relaxed
✔ Happier and emotionally healthier
✔ More connected to nature
✔ More connected to other people
✔ More confident spending time outdoors
✔ Motivated to continue walking regularly
Feedback from participants showed overwhelmingly positive outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The success of the pilot has created a strong foundation for future walking activities across the Rother district.
DRI is continuing to:
- Develop partnerships with Bexhill Mosque and other local community organisations.
- Support trained volunteer walk leaders to organise future community walks.
- Welcome new members through the Walking Group WhatsApp community.
- Promote inclusive walking activities at community events, including the Sanctuary Festival.
As the walking community continues to grow, we remain committed to creating welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds can improve their wellbeing, make new connections and enjoy the outdoors together.