Travel Hands Journey: A Serene Walk in Victoria Park with Travel Hands Communit

A Serene Walk in Victoria Park: Connecting through Travel Hands ??

On October 3rd, 2024, I had the privilege of joining the Travel Hands community as a volunteer for a special event at Victoria Park. Paired with Clara, a visually impaired person (VIP), we embarked on a serene heritage walk through the park, guided by a map highlighting six significant trees. This event fostered social interaction, physical activity, and community inclusion. ???

A Memorable First Encounter:

When I arrived at Hackney Wick Overground Station, slightly late and nervous, Clara patiently awaited me. To confirm her identity, I used our one-time passcode, saying, "Wake up early, yawn all day." Her smile lit up, and all my worries melted away. From that moment, we embarked on a journey of connection, sharing stories as she took my left arm, as per her preference, and we walked together toward Victoria Park. ????

The Heritage Walk Experience:

At the event, each VIP was paired with a Travel Hands volunteer. Together, we explored the park through a sensory-based heritage walk designed by the Bromley by Bow Centre. We touched and felt the textures of the trees, enhancing our connection to the environment. This immersive activity deepened the experience for both VIPs and volunteers, offering a new way to engage with nature. ????

Reflections and Feedback:

After the event, participants gathered at the café, sharing their experiences. VIP Mahendra expressed, "It was a wonderful experience. You should conduct similar events every two months." Clara, too, shared that she "loved socializing with new people at the park." The positive feedback highlighted the value of sensory exploration, social inclusion, and community engagement. ????

The event was a humbling and inspiring experience, reinforcing the importance of creating inclusive environments where VIPs can connect with nature and others. ????

Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jess Walker and Polly Jarman from the The Bromley By Bow Centre (BBBC) for their invaluable contributions and collaboration. Their support played a significant role in the success of this event, and we are truly grateful. No event of ours would be possible without the dedication of our amazing Travel Hands volunteers, who work tirelessly to make the lives of VIPs safer, more independent, and more comfortable. Your commitment is at the core of what we do.

I also invite all of you to join us in our mission of "Turning Movement into Good." Please feel free to share your ideas or express your interest in the comments below, so together we can create new and meaningful events for our VIPs.

Read the full blog here: https://www.travelhands.co.uk/post/travel-hands-journey-a-serene-walk-in-victoria-park-with-travel-hands-community