Walk and Talk for Wellness
About our service
A collaborative community outreach program
We know that being active, experiencing the outdoors, and connecting with others, are all important for our health, wellbeing and life satisfaction – so why not do them all at the same time?
Walk and Talk for Wellness is literally what the name says. It is an opportunity to have a conversation with a trained listener in an outdoor environment. It isn’t about exercising! You choose the pace. The walking is secondary to overall experience of having someone listen and chat with you; a different kind of wellness experience, one which combines the mind and the body.
Research has evidenced that being exposed to natural light and fresh air combined with physical movement like walking has many health benefits. Adding in talking experiences provides even more positive outcomes, including:
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Helping to release emotion, calm the nervous system, energise and motivate
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Boosting mood and reducing stress chemicals in the body
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Better circulation and sleep
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Improved concentration and problem-solving
Sometimes, sitting still and focusing on your difficulties can make you feel more overwhelmed and stuck. Walking and talking side-by-side can help shift a feeling of ‘stuckness’ when trying to deal with problems or issues. There is also a real feeling of accomplishment that comes with having taken action, literally!
Walk and Talk for Wellness was developed with the values of community, wellbeing, and collaboration. The service offers walk and talk sessions for individuals and small groups with facilitators who are either counsellors-in-training or registered professional counsellors. Facilitators for the walk and talk sessions are skilled in connecting and engaging with people from all walks of life, and operate under supervision by experienced professionals (registered with either the Australian Counselling Association, or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia).
Each session is driven by the goals of the individual, and can range from walking in silence and quiet contemplation to discussing issues of difficulty or problems needing to be addressed. Any individuals who need more intensive psychological support and intervention will be referred to an appropriate service. Facilitators are trained in triage and referral processes, and are able to identify when additional support may be necessary.
Walk and Talk for Wellness was launched in July 2020 in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council’s Active and Healthy Program, and in September with the Logan City Council's Live Well Logan program.
Mobile Walk and Talk
Can't come to one of our locations?
Not sure if Walk and Talk will suit your needs?
Want to provide this for your staff or community?
We will come to you!
Our mobile community service is born from a need to provide to those who aren’t able to come to us at one of our beautiful walking sites on the Gold Coast or in Logan. We also work in partnership with organisations and other services in the community to provide tailor made programs where it is needed.
If you are a local residential facility, care facility, school, hospital or community service provider, located within the Brisbane and Gold Coast region, and would value the opportunity to access the Walk and Talk team then we may be able to help.
Please contact the Walk and Talk team for more information
