Steps for Support

Steps for Support is a free, inclusive walking programme designed to help people improve their mental and physical wellbeing in a relaxed, supportive environment. The walks offer a safe, low‑pressure space to connect with others, whether you’d like to chat or simply be around people.

What the programme offers

A welcoming, non‑judgemental environment
Gentle, accessible walks suitable for most abilities
Opportunities to meet others with shared experiences
Time outdoors to support wellbeing and reduce stress
Supportive space hosted by experienced mental health practitioners

Why walking helps

Walking in a group can reduce feelings of loneliness, build confidence and provide a positive reason to get outdoors. Spending time in nature is also shown to lower stress levels and help people feel calmer and more grounded.

“Steps for Support is about creating a welcoming, supportive space where people can take small, positive steps towards better mental health. You don’t have to talk - just being around others can make a real difference.” Ash - Recovery College Manager.

"Before becoming a Peer Tutor, I attended the Recovery College as a student. Walking groups played an important part in my recovery, giving me the opportunity to improve my wellbeing, connect with others, and take time to reflect. They helped me build confidence, improve my mental health, and ultimately supported me on my journey to better mental health." Steve - Peer Tutor.

Who can join

The walks are open to everyone. You may be:

experiencing difficulties with your mental health and looking for connection
wanting to build confidence in a gentle, supported way
interested in supporting others by being a listening ear

There is no expectation to share personal experiences, and you can take part at your own pace.

Where the walks take place

The first walks will run in Norwich and Ipswich, with plans to expand across Norfolk and Suffolk. If you have an idea for a new walk location please do email us at Recovery.College@nsft.nhs.uk and we can consider this with you.

How to book

Please book on via our booking platform by searching ‘walk’, if you are not currently registered with us, there is no waiting list and you can sign up via the recovery college website. You can also book via phone 0300 303 4419 or email recovery.college@nsft.nhs.uk

We hope to see you soon!

Walk locations and start times

Norfolk

Norwich - City Riverside Walk - Thursday 2 July

10.30 Start

Starting from the Memorial opposite City Hall, we will walk through the city, down Elm Hill towards the river and continuing on past Cow Tower, before going past Pulls Ferry and finishing up just outside the Cathedral. Plenty of history and character to this walk.

Time approx. 50-60 mins to include optional coffee stop along the way.

Accessible for wheelchair and Public Transport.

Historic, café, accessible

Norwich - Hellesdon Mill to Sweetbriar Marsh Walk - Thursday 9 July

10.30 Start

Starting at Hellesdon Mill car park, we will walk along the river and cross the road onto Marriot's Way, continuing along to Sweetbriar Marshes where will loop around before heading back to the Mill car park. A nice walk along the historic Marriot's Way.

Time approx. 45-60 mins.

Mixture of grass and path, some slopes.

Historic, river, marshes

Norwich - Yare valley to UEA Walk - Thursday 16 July

10.30 start

We start at Waitrose Eaton Car park and head north along the river Yare towards the UEA, we then head into Bluebells woods briefly before crossing back over into Strawberry field wild meadow and finally heading back into Eaton, to finish back at Waitrose. A very peaceful riverside walk.

Time approx. 45-60 mins.

Mainly grass or field tracks which can be uneven

Woods, meadow, tracks

Suffolk

Ipswich - Christchurch Park Walk - Tuesday 30 June

11.15 start

We start at the Henley Road entrance, across the road from Ipswich School. This is also a very well-maintained Park with accessible paths, large, grassed areas, ponds and fountains. There is also some good quality outdoor gym equipment if you fancy a free workout! There are toilets and a cafe in the park.

Time approx. 30-40 mins approx. duration.

Henley Road, Ipswich (Postcode roughly IP1 3QL, opposite Ipswich School).

Fountains, café, accessible

Ipswich - Orwell County Park Walk - Tuesday 7 July

11:15 start

We start by the main car park - Bridge Wood Car Park (East Side) and enter the woods and perform a large loop through to the west side to the Orwell Estuary, we then loop back to the starting point. This is a bit more of a rugged walk with steeper slopes and more muddy paths, but it is a very peaceful and relaxing place where you are more fully immersed in nature.

Time approx. 45-60 mins.

Bridge Wood Car Park, Ipswich, P10 0JS.

Estuary, peaceful, nature