Small steps: Walks for wellbeing

Spending time outdoors, getting moving and sharing a simple conversation can have a powerful impact on wellbeing.

 Across Powys, local community walks are helping people boost their mood, reduce anxiety and feel less alone by combining gentle exercise, fresh air and social connection.

 

These welcoming, inclusive walks offer a safe space to talk - or simply walk alongside others - showing how small steps can make a big difference to mental health.

If you are looking to get out for walks in your local area and don't know where to start, then search up a group to join in with for inclusive, accessible ideas. 

You may find the following pages helpful: 

https://www.powysgreenguide.cymru/site/Walking-in-Powys

https://mnpmind.org.uk/walk-talk-groups/

https://letsgopowys.co.uk/

https://www.moveagainstcancer.org/5k-your-way/

 

Here’s three examples currently happening in the north of the county.

 

Sophie Castree’s Walk for Wellness starts at Hafan yr Afon in Newtown every Monday at 7pm. 

 

Sophie experienced health anxiety in December 2024 which culminated in debilitating panic attacks.

 

“It got so bad that at one point I couldn’t get out of bed,” Sophie says.

 

“I was prescribed medication and slowly began to feel more like myself, but what helped was mum and dad encouraging me to get out of the house.

 

“Going for a walk became my everyday ritual. It saved me.

 

“I know what a difference it made me for me, so if I could help just one other person in the same way, it would be amazing. I’m happy to meet people on their own first if that would make them feel more comfortable.”

In Caersws, St John’s Hut is the starting point for the weekly ‘walk & talk’ – on Mondays at 7pm - run by local man Karl Wigley. He also hosts a walk in Llanidloes on Wednesdays at the same time.

 

“They’re genuinely uplifting,” says Karl. “We keep it positive and everyone is supporting each other.

 

“I realise the idea of turning up for a walk with a load of strangers can be daunting, so I will come out and meet people one-on-one beforehand.

 

Karl was inspired to start the walks after experiencing his own mental health struggles. He was supported by the Newtown-based wellbeing charity, Ponthafren, and has since become an ambassador for the organisation. 

 

“I’ve gone from needing their service to working alongside them,” Karl says.

 

“It’s a testament to what they do because without Ponthafren, I don’t know where I’d be. Their help has quite literally been life-changing.”

Meanwhile in Newtown, Walking Men of Mid Wales founder Andrew Coppin hosts a weekly walk starting at 7pm at Back Lane car park.

 

“Expect a warm embrace from myself and the other guys who attend,” says Andrew. “We’re just gents of various ages, from all walks of life. We’ll chat over the course of a simple stroll.

 

“It gives people hope and positivity, and makes them realise there’s a whole network of support out there.”

 

 Buried in a Book: Llandrindod Book Club Welcomes New Members 

@Breathe Studio: an Arlais Health & Wellbeing CIC project

A new community book club is inviting readers of all kinds to come together, share ideas, and celebrate the joy of reading. Buried in a Book: Llandrindod Book Club meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm, offering a relaxed and welcoming space for anyone who enjoys books—or simply wants to rediscover the habit of reading.

Open to both seasoned readers and those just beginning their reading journey, the club aims to bring people together through conversation, creativity, and a shared love of the written word. Whether you read hundreds of books a year or haven’t picked one up in a while, everyone is welcome. They want to create a place where people can connect, slow down from the busyness of everyday life, and share their love of books with others in the community.

Each month, members nominate titles for Book of the Month, with the final selection chosen from a members’ nomination pot. This approach encourages readers to explore new authors, genres and stories. The chosen book is then discussed in an informal and friendly setting on the first fortnight of the month.

The second meeting each month is a Book Social, a book-themed event designed purely for fun and connection. Activities may include book quizzes, author talks, book launches, or other literary-themed socials.

Importantly, participation is flexible; members are welcome to attend as often or as little as they like. There is no obligation to attend every meeting or read the monthly book selection.

The cost to attend is £2 per person, helping support the running of the group.

Contact Alice by email buriedinabookclub@gmail.com or join the Facebook Group link

Social Prescribing - What does that look like ?

Social Prescribing is defined on the Welsh Government Web pages as

"....an umbrella term that describes a person-centred approach to connecting people to local community assets. Community assets include community groups, interventions and services which could be delivered online or in person, as well as buildings, land or even a person within a community."

But what does that really mean ? 

Here at PAVO we have a Social Prescribing service currently offering support for people in Powys aged between 50 to 75, and I spoke to Helen, who works as one of 3 social prescribers within the team, to understand what her job involves day to day.

Here she surmises the role beautifully

"My approach is holistic and centred around the individual — taking time to understand what their concerns are, what supports their wellbeing, and how we can connect them with what’s available locally in their community.

A typical day might involve meeting a client who has a chronic health condition at a local art group or walking group. Many of the people I support live alone and would like to make new friends, but quite naturally feel anxious about attending something new by themselves. I often attend with them in the beginning, offering reassurance until they feel settled and confident, or until we find a group that suits them better.

I also meet with new or prospective clients, either in their home or in a community setting, to explain how the service works and how I might support them. If they would like to go ahead, we have a “What Matters” conversation to explore their goals and agree expectations on both sides. Clients complete a wellbeing survey at the start and at the end of their time with the service, which helps us reflect on the progress they’ve made.

A significant part of my role involves researching local groups and services that could benefit the people I support — whether that’s looking into bus routes to the leisure centre, finding community groups or volunteering opportunities, or identifying local community meals. I also make referrals and signpost to other organisations for additional support, such as Powys Befrienders or money advice services, as many clients have complex or overlapping needs.

I keep in weekly contact with the people I support, checking how they are getting on, talking through any concerns, and acknowledging the steps they’re taking. They also know they can get in touch if they would like a chat.

At its core, my role is about listening, encouraging and working alongside people as they build confidence, overcome challenges and feel more connected within their community."

You can find out more, including a link to refer here:

https://www.pavo.org.uk/help-for-people/socialprescribing/

Diolch yn Fawr Helen and the Social Prescribing Team

for your amazing work

Warm Spaces - Well Being Places

 

I recently visited Play Radnor in Llandrindod and The Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes as part of their "Warm Space Powys" initiatives.

I did indeed experience a warm welcome, and a delicious sociable lunch was had at Play Radnor on Monday 19th Jan 2026.

This is an opportunity not just to be in a warm environment for a couple of hours, but to feel connected with the opportunity to socialise, eat or drink something for Free, and/or often take part in a game or discussion. 

There are lots of places you can go to access this across the county. You can also just relax on a sofa or pick up a book at a local library. You could take your own "to do" list which may include some sewing or craft project, or just sit and rest with the chance to feel warm and cosy.

 A Warm Space is a community run place where people can go to get warm, socialise, work, relax or take part in activities, especially during the older months when heating costs are high. Many warm spaces in Powys also offer refreshments. 

Warm spaces are typically hosted in existing community buildings, including: 

• Public libraries
• Community centers and village halls
• Churches and places of worship
• Museums, sports clubs, and even some local businesses

For more info see the Powys County Council Directory here

https://en.powys.gov.uk/powyswarmspaces

Or search in your local facebook page

If you're a community group or organisation, you can also apply for funding or get listed on the directory via the Powys Council website to help others.