Moving together, building belonging in Amber Valley

Through the GOGA programme, we are supporting disabled and non-disabled people to move more together, building confidence, connections, and a sense of belonging within local communities. By listening to lived experience and working alongside trusted partners, this collaboration is helping to remove the barriers that too often prevent people from getting involved. 

The RunWalkTalk event at Shipley Park in Derbyshire offers a clear example of how inclusive design, strong partnerships, and a welcoming approach can turn this vision into reality.

Run. Walk. Talk. Belong. 

In October 2025 a RunWalkTalk event at Shipley Park was hosted in collaboration with Jog Derbyshire. The #runwalktalk initiative is built on a simple but powerful idea, creating a safe, inclusive environment where anyone can take part, regardless of physical or mental health, activity level, or background. 

These events deliberately break down barriers between service providers, patients, community organisations, and the wider public. There is no pressure to perform, no expectation to “keep up”, just an open invitation to move, talk, and connect. 

To ensure the event truly reflected GOGA values, the traditional walk and jog format was expanded. Alongside the main routes, an accessible walk designed specifically for participants with mobility challenges, long-term health conditions, or disabilities was introduced. 

This was made possible through careful planning with local partners including Amber Valley Ambles, Sofa to Stroll, and Walks for Wellbeing (Erewash), who helped design two suitable and welcoming routes. 

Participants could choose from a range of options on the day, including, 
• a three-mile walk led by Alfreton Jog Club 
• a run/walk jeffing session led by Belper Running Club 
• a run option led by Chris Frost, our Community Physical Activity and Wellbeing Lead 

Crucially, people were free to switch groups or adapt their plans as they went, a flexibility that many later said made the day feel genuinely inclusive. 

Trying something new, together 

After the group activities, participants were invited to take part in a Nordic walking taster session delivered by British Nordic Walking. For several of the accessible walkers, this was their first experience of Nordic walking, and the feedback was hugely encouraging. Many expressed interest in continuing after feeling the immediate benefits of added stability, confidence, and whole-body movement. 

Refreshments were provided by catering students from Infinite Wellbeing CIC, adding another layer of community involvement and opportunity.

Real impact, lasting conversations

The event attracted over 75 participants, including key stakeholders from across health, physical activity, and community sectors. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People spoke about the welcoming atmosphere, the lack of judgement, and how refreshing it was to be able to take part on their own terms. 

Perhaps most importantly, the conversations did not stop when the event ended. Follow-up discussions with attending organisations have since focused on Couch to 5X referrals and the wider range of physical activity opportunities available within local communities. 

This is exactly the kind of lasting impact the GOGA programme aims to create, not just one-off events, but meaningful connections that continue to open doors long after the day itself. 

Looking ahead 

The Get Out Get Active programme in Amber Valley is helping us reimagine what inclusive physical activity can look like. By working together, listening to lived experience, and designing with inclusion at the forefront, spaces are being created where everyone feels they belong. 

We are excited to build on this momentum, continue learning from our partners, and support more people to get out, get active, and get connected in ways that work for them.