A walking group which helps deaf women get active, meet new people and explore nature is backing a new campaign being led by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). 

Bolton’s Deaf Asian Women’s Group meet once a week to explore their local area with people they can communicate with via British Sign Language.

The group, part of the Bolton Deaf Society, is supporting a wider campaign to enable more people to walk, wheel and cycle in Greater Manchester, and feature in TfGM’s first ever campaign video to be recorded in British Sign Language (BSL).

The ethos of this particular walking group is to help deaf Asian women overcome barriers to exercise, while also enriching their social, physical and mental wellbeing. 

One of the group's active members, Sameena Khan, who regularly visits the Bolton Deaf Society centre on Bark Street, was key in the group's revival following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sameena Khan has opened up about the group  (Image: Transport for Greater Manchester)

Ms Khan said: " At that time, a lot of people had issues with their mental health, such as depression, and they had become lonely."

She added that, before joining the group, she faced her health issues.

However, these walking sessions greatly help her focus on her physical, and mental health and overall wellbeing.

The group are part of the Bolton Deaf Society  (Image: Transport for Greater Manchester)

The organised walks have not only helped the group members regain their confidence but also make fresh connections following prolonged periods of isolation.

The GM Walking and Wheeling Fund financially supports the group, enabling them to provide guided tours exploring various beauty spots in the area.

Ms Khan and her friends believe it's been an excellent opportunity to discover nature and new locales in their area.

Ms Khan explained: "We really enjoy the deaf group and getting out walking.

"It's peaceful and you can just switch off.

"It’s lovely to get out and I feel better for doing it."

She also added: "Hearing people can just go for a run or a walk and have a chat. But for us, we don’t have that and experience barriers.

"You see people taking their dog for a walk, they are not looking at each other - hearing people can just chat away but that’s something we’re unable to do.

“It’s much better with the deaf group because we have the same etiquette and we know how to communicate with each other.

"We have a good laugh and enjoy a gossip too. There is no stress when we’re all out together."

The summer active travel campaign by TfGM draws attention to individuals and groups already reaping the benefits of active travel in their regions.

Travel modes like walking, wheeling and cycling are cost-effective or even free ways of commuting, contributing to an individual's wellbeing and fitness levels.

The initiative ties into the Bee Network – a vision for a fully integrated transport system synchronising all modes of transportation throughout Greater Manchester.

Dame Sarah Storey, active travel commissioner for Greater Manchester, praised the efforts of the Bolton Deaf Asian Women’s Group saying: "It has been inspiring to learn how the Bolton Deaf Asian Women’s Group is helping people discover the benefits of walking while making new friends at the same time."

Dame Sarah Storey shared her thoughts   (Image: Transport for Greater Manchester)

She also said: " I’m also delighted they have been able to share their love of walking in the Bee Network's first British Sign Language video.

“As they have shown so brilliantly, walking is a wonderful and accessible way of getting around – whether making a short trip within your neighbourhood, exploring nature or part of a longer journey on the ever-expanding Bee Network.

"And regardless of the journey purpose, walking is a great way to keep physically active and mentally well at the same time."

For more information about TfGM’s Cycle and Stride groups, free courses, bike libraries and safe cycle routes, visit the 'It’s Your Move' webpage.