How a walking group in east Leicester is combating loneliness and bringing people together

In east Leicester, the Haribol Walking Group has become an essential part of life for many of its members, fostering a sense of community and promoting health and wellbeing. Founded by former lord mayor Rashmikant Joshi in September 2017, the group has grown from humble beginnings to a thriving community of over 200 people, many of them elderly, who meet every week to enjoy the benefits of walking.

After suffering a heart attack, Joshi was diagnosed with high sugar levels and told by doctors to reduce his weight and bring down his sugar level through exercise. He began walking regularly, covering three to five miles per day. Over time, his weight, cholesterol, and sugar level improved significantly. Impressed by the transformation walking had brought to his life, Joshi decided to share his story on his radio show and invite listeners to join him in his walks. To his surprise, 25 people turned up for the first walk, marking the beginning of the Haribol Walking Group.

Every Thursday at 10am, the group meets at Shivalaya Temple on Belgrave Road. From there, they explore the city's parks, landmarks, and cultural sites. Some popular walking routes include Abbey Park, the temple on Narborough Road, and Victoria Park. These walks offer a chance to get outdoors and connect with the city, its history, and its culture.

“Being part of the group saved me”

But the Haribol Walking Group has become more than just a walking club. It's grown into a community that encourages social interaction and combats loneliness among its ageing members. Many elderly people experience loneliness and isolation, for various reasons: mobility issues, loss of loved ones, or decreased social opportunities. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, the walking group helps its members overcome these challenges and build meaningful relationships with others.

Amratbhai Mistry, a 74-year-old man, said: “My wife passed away in 2022. I was depressed, alone and isolated at home, with no children. Then after joining the Haribol Walking Group, I have become so happy, bubbly, and healthy. Being part of the group saved me.”

The consequences of loneliness and isolation have been shown to increase mortality, with one study showing premature death was 32 per cent for people living alone. Growing evidence also shows loneliness can lead to declines in cognition and poor immune system support in later life.

“Helps to keep me going”

There's also the physical benefits. Regular walking has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, improved mental health, and better overall fitness. For many members of the group, the weekly walks have led to significant improvements in their health conditions.

I spoke to Shanti Lal, a 79-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis who has recently had an operation on his ankle. He told me that the group “helps to keep me going.” Despite walking with crutches, he still attends and completes every walk. “The group helps me physically and also gives him company and friends. It also leads to extra meetings, gatherings, parties and even further new friends.”

With the help of a translator, Bhanu Ladha, an 82-year-old woman who has been a part of the group since it started eight years ago, said she had been using a Zimmer frame for the last three years because of her knees that she's had to have surgery on multiple occasions. However, despite all this, she “refuses to give up the Thursday walk.”

“The group has helped me on a spiritual level”

Kaushika Waghela, a 57-year-old group member, has fibromyalgia. Recounting her experience joining the group, said she: “I moved back from London to Leicester in 2019 to look after my dad, who was a chronic renal patient in his end of life stage. He passed away in 2022. After this, I felt lost, physically, emotionally and mentally. I hadn't lived in Leicester for 30 years. Then someone recommended the Haribol Walking Group to me.

“It took me some time to find the strength to go because I suffer from some physical and mental issues and also have spinal problems, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. However, after I had been once, I found everyone there to be so welcoming. I have been attending ever since and have even become one of the group's official volunteers.

“Being a member of the group has helped me on a spiritual level as well.”

In south Asian culture, mental health is often considered a taboo subject, making it difficult for individuals to seek help and support. The Haribol Walking Group provides a safe space for members to discuss their mental health struggles and receive encouragement and understanding from their peers.

Waghela emphasises the importance of addressing mental health issues within the Asian community, stating, “Mental health is a taboo subject in the Asian community, and one of the most important things for mental health issues is to talk about it, to connect, to socialise, and to reach out.”

Finally, while on a walk with the group, I enjoyed a rather in-depth conversation with Subhash Patel, 54-years-old. Patel has been joining in for around two years now. In April 2020, he contracted a severe case of Covid-19 and was urgently hospitalised. The doctors had to perform a tracheotomy on Patel to allow him to breathe. “My case was so severe that my family and me thought I was going to die.” To make matters worse, his father died at the same time after contracting Covid-19.

Despite having family around him, Patel became depressed and felt isolated at home. However, once he joined the walking group his mental and physical health changed drastically for the better.

The Haribol Walking Group has become a powerful force for change in the lives of its members and the broader community. You can find out more about them by calling 07720420248 ahead of their next walk.