A new STARt!
Sycamore Trust U.K. has been awarded a £7018.00 Walking and Cycling Grants London Grant for the Sycamore Trust Autism Ramblers Project.
Walking and Cycling Grants London is a programme funded by Transport for London in partnership with The London Marathon Foundation and managed by the environmental regeneration charity Groundwork London. It offers funding of up to £10,000 over three years to community groups such as residents’ associations, charities and youth groups for projects that encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to walk and cycle safely.
We plan to establish a walking club that will create support networks and friendship groups among parents and autistic adults. The walkers will be able to get out into their local community, exercise and also support each other with coping mechanisms and signpost each other to relevant local services.
Walking clubs provide a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends, which can enhance social connections and combat loneliness, which is common among the autistic community. As we are blessed in east London with some magnificent open spaces, we will shortly be announcing a programme of walking events, taking in some of the wonderful parks in Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge.
Sycamore Trust UK spokesman Lynn Chapman who is lead for the project said;
"Walking can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as providing emotional support and our new groups will give parent/carers and autistic adults with the opportunity to chat to our staff about issues they are experiencing in a very informal environment. The main aim of our project is to reduce isolation and support autistic people to feel part of a community by providing opportunities for social interaction.
Miranda Leedham, Head of Customer Marketing and Behaviour Change at TfL, said:
“We are delighted to support Sycamore Trust in creating new walking clubs and supporting more people to walk. “Walking is a brilliant way for everyone to make the most of the capital’s open spaces, bringing people together and helping to build social connections. We look forward to seeing the impact they will have in enabling even more people to access the benefits of being active and making the capital a healthier and more sustainable city for all.”
Look out for details of the first walk, on 29th April, around Parsloes Park. Please contact Lynn Chapman at lynn.chapman@sycamoretrust.org.uk for more information
