The women power-walking for mental health

Girls That Hike has attracted women and girls from all over the country

As most of us curl up on our sofas with the TV on and phones in hand this winter, a group of 20 women are power-walking through the streets of Lincoln in a bid to boost their mental health during the darker nights.

Ella Jack is the 23-year-old behind the Girls That Hike project that has attracted women and girls aged between six and 70 from all over the country.

Since February, the group has been taking on weekly walks around the city and monthly walks in the Peak District.

"With the dark nights, you just want to be in your room alone and not talk to anyone but getting out and getting that fresh air is the best thing for you," Ms Jack said.

"Girls don't really have that community to go to, especially as everything is so online now, so it's nice to create that - and people feel safer walking in a group."

Ms Jack, from Lincoln, started the group in February after struggling with her own mental health.

Seven months later, the project won the People's Choice Award and was a runner up for the Impact on Health award at the Active Lincolnshire Awards.

Ella Jack with the Active Lincolnshire People's Choice Award

Georgia Stow, 24, from Lincoln, has recently been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and has suffered from seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Ms Stow said the group gave her a reason to get out of the house when she was struggling.

"Even on the days where I've had a bad day at work, I'm going to go after work and speak to loads of people and meet new people and have a little rant about my day," she said.

Ms Stow said people have attended who have felt isolated just after having babies or who are new to the area and have made friends from the group.

"That's definitely the most important thing that's happened from this group," she added.

In August, the group hiked from Navenby to Lincoln Cathedral and raised £4,000 for the charity Taking Action on Addiction after one of the group's members lost their friend last year.

Ms Jack said: "When I started the group and it took off so much, I thought I want to use this for something good."

Ms Stow said: "It's just crazy that a small group that was just an idea has turned into something that has made such an impact on not just the girls that do it, but charities and the wider community."

New friends

Annie-Mae Haines, who has been going to the walks alone since the start, said she joined to get out more as she works from home doing online calls as a health mentor.

"You need something to push you to get out after and I also think, at this age, it's quite hard to meet new people, so it's a perfect way to meet new friends," she said.

"Sometimes, leading up to it, I think I don't want to go out tonight and then I get out there and really enjoy it and I feel so much better for going."

The 24-year-old from North Hykeham, Lincoln, said people do not always have the money to pay for some hobbies.

"You put your coat on, go for a walk and it's great," she said.

Ms Haines said walking in a group makes her feel safer.

"I'd love to go for a walk after my work but I wouldn't dare go on my own," she said.

"I'd be far too scared in the dark whereas, when you are in a group, you feel safe and you don't have to think about it. That worry doesn't even cross your mind."

Annie-Mae has been walking with the group since it launched

Amelia Start, an accountant from Lincoln, said the group is "such a safe space" where "no one's judged".

"You find people on these walks that are also in similar situations or can give you pieces of advice that can really help with your mental health," she said.

"You'll end up just opening up about your life to someone you just met 20 minutes ago."

Rebecca Walker, 37, from Lincoln, said walking with the groups "massively" helps with her mental health and she has started taking her daughter, Olivia, along.

"Just getting out and seeing other people instead of staying in all four walls of your house. You get so stuck in a rut. It's important to get out," she said.

Ms Walker has made friends with two women from the group and has been to a bottomless brunch, the pub and the cinema with them.

"We definitely needed something like this in Lincoln and it's just amazing for all women."

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