Cruse steps out with Manx Sport & Recreation's Walk & Talk

Cruse trainers Julie and Steph and the Grief Buddies standing in a brightly lit room with a Cruse training presentation on a projector screen in the background. All seven people are standing next to each other and are smiling for the camera.

Pictured are Cruse Bereavement Support’s trainers (Julie and Steph – far left and third from the right) with Zoe (second right) and the instructor

We're delighted to be working with Manx Sport & Recreation as part of their Walk & Talk initiative. The Walk & Talk instructors have been trained as Grief Buddies so they can listen to a walker who completes the health questionnaire and would walk with a Grief Buddy. The instructors' main role is to listen but they can also signpost to a relevant organisation like Cruse, any of the Wellbeing Partnership groups around the Island or anywhere else where the individual can find help.

Our Chief Executive Mary said: ‘Cruse Bereavement Support is here for anyone grieving so it is great to have the instructors trained to listen, perhaps identifying that an individual may need additional support, then signposting them to our charity or to other groups that can help – we feel no one needs to grieve alone’.

Disability and Activity Coordinator, Zoe Crowe, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome the Cruse trainers Julie Bibby and Steph Waters to the session that will ultimately help anyone who attends any of our Walk & Talk groups across the island. The training was well received with the instructors taking on board how they help the walkers. It is well known that exercise can help people but these groups can also help each other in a positive environment. From 01 February 2025 the instructors will be at the Island-wide sessions."

To find out more about accessing the Walk & Talk please ring 688575 or email zoe.crowe@gov.im.

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