Croydon Ethnic Minority Groups Embrace Park Walks
Croydon residents from ethnic backgrounds have the opportunity to join a month-long healthy walks program organized by the Emancipated Run Crew (ERC) in partnership with Croydon BME Forum. This initiative, known as Reinvigorate Croydon, aims to engage black and brown communities in Croydon who may be physically inactive, facing health challenges, or experiencing social isolation.
The main goal of Reinvigorate Croydon is to provide a welcoming and low-pressure environment for local residents to connect with others, enjoy the outdoors, and improve their mental and physical well-being. Participants can look forward to meeting like-minded individuals, exploring the natural beauty of Croydon’s green spaces, and engaging in gentle physical activity.
The ‘Walk and Talk’ events will take place every Friday throughout November at different locations such as Wandle Park, Lloyd Park, and Park Hill. These lunchtime walks are free and suitable for all fitness levels, making it an ideal opportunity for those working from home to take a break and for older residents to socialize and stay active.
Julia Stephenson, co-founder of ERC, highlights that the project is more than just walking; it’s about building a sense of community, forming connections, and improving overall health in an inclusive and supportive environment. The goal is to create long-lasting benefits for participants beyond the month of October.
Although the sessions are free, participants are encouraged to register for the program. Reinvigorate Croydon welcomes everyone, with the potential for participants to progress to more active programs like a couch-to-5k or community runs. The initiative is supported by Sport England and Lululemon’s Here to Be grant.
For more details on start times and meeting points, interested individuals can reach out to project coordinator Carmelita Goodwin via phone at 07368 400934 or email at carmelita.erc@gmail.com. To register for the Reinvigorate Croydon sessions, visit the Google Form or Eventbrite page.
As Croydon’s ethnic minority groups come together to embrace park walks and connect with nature, the community is encouraged to prioritize their well-being and build lasting relationships through the Reinvigorate Croydon program. Joining these walks not only promotes physical health but also fosters a sense of belonging and unity among residents from diverse backgrounds.
