Throughout May, the Lancashire User Forum delivered a series of successful Walk This May, Talk This May events across Lancashire, focusing on four important topics: Domestic Abuse, Co-Occurring Conditions, Veterans, and Addiction.
Each walk provided an opportunity for people to come together in a supportive outdoor environment to discuss these important issues, share experiences, and build meaningful connections. The events were well attended, with fantastic turnouts at every walk, demonstrating the value of creating safe spaces for open conversations within our communities.
At the heart of the campaign was the simple message that talking matters. By creating relaxed and welcoming spaces, participants were encouraged to open up about their experiences, share their perspectives, and have honest conversations around domestic abuse, co-occurring conditions, veterans’ experiences, and addiction. These discussions helped to raise awareness, improve understanding, challenge misconceptions, and break down the stigma that can often surround these topics.
The walks showed how a supportive environment, fresh air, and shared experiences can help reduce isolation, encourage connection, and remind people that they are not alone. They also highlighted the power of listening to others, learning from different experiences, and building stronger, more compassionate communities.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed to the conversations, and helped make all four walks such a success. Together, we raised awareness, encouraged connection, challenged stigma, and demonstrated the importance of community-led support.
