On a drizzly afternoon at Alice Holt Forest, we went for a walk in the woods with Katie and Tamara from We Are Undefeatable, a collective movement supporting people with a range of long term health conditions to get active.
We caught up about all things wellbeing, from the unexpected bonuses of walking in nature to the social benefits of getting active with a friend.
What is We Are Undefeatable?
"We Are Undefeatable is a behaviour change movement run in partnership with fifteen leading health and social care charities. We are all about inspiring people with long-term health conditions to get moving in a way that works for them, and doing that out in nature where possible is a big bonus."
How would you sum up the impact of your campaign so far in three words?
"Three words that sum up what we do is ‘the first step’. We’ve seen that We Are Undefeatable has really inspired a lot of people and our relatable case studies show different ways individuals have begun their movement journey.
No matter where you are on your journey, even if you’re right at the beginning, there’s an activity that can work for you."
What’s the first step people can take to find movement that works for them?
"The first thing to do is to go at your own pace. Start with a level of movement that feels comfortable for you, and then slowly work your way up from there. Finding something you enjoy can also really help you stay motivated.
Different things work for different people; it’s really up to individuals. Some people prefer a team sport, whilst others enjoy things like dancing and walking locally out in nature."
Why is getting outdoors so important for our wellbeing?
"There are so many benefits to being outside and getting active in nature. Whether it’s enjoying the different surroundings, being present and practicing mindfulness on your walks or socialising in a new place.
One of our storytellers that comes to mind is Leony, a community choir leader who had a double knee replacement to help with her rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. She began walking small distances with her daughter, practising choir songs together, and is now able to walk longer distances outdoors without her cane."
What did you spot onsite at Alice Holt Forest today that you know will help people with disabilities and long-term health conditions?
One of the key things is how beneficial being in this environment is for your general wellbeing. All of the work Forestry England have been doing to make forests more accessible and suitable for everyone, especially those with a disability or a long-term health condition, is really great to see.
What was your favourite part of being on this walk at Alice Holt Forest?
"It was brilliant to discover the forest, be outside in nature and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
We really enjoyed trying the wellbeing trail prompts, thinking about what we could see, smell and hear as we walked along the trails."
Plan your own forest visit
We really enjoyed chatting with We Are Undefeatable about they work they’re doing to encourage more people with long-term health conditions to find joy in movement, especially out in nature.
From easy-access trails to all-terrain mobility scooter hire, guided wellbeing sessions and forest visitor centres with facilities, our forests are wonderful places for accessible adventures.
Find your nearest forest and make plans for a day out in nature.
