Many people find it easier to talk to others whilst walking alongside together – it’s less intimate than sitting opposite. Walking together over, under, through, up and around different country can also really enable us to move over, through and across different moods, feelings and ideas we have – we might gain new perspectives that bring us new choices which may in turn help get out of any ‘stuck’ situation. Similarly, movement itself, helps move thinking and feeling – and having trusted, different people along with us can also bring new insights and options.

We allow nature, the natural world to be our therapist – letting go of the digital domain for a short while and allowing ourselves to listen, see, smell, feel and to be differently. In many ways, the facilitator is there to guide the experience.

You will be guided practically and also in terms of creating invitations to notice differently, to pause for a while, listen deeply, focus on a particular theme.

The facilitator will also be there for counselling conversations either within the group or more privately by dropping off the back of the group for a few moments or arranging a time for a one on one session.

For the purpose of the walks n talks our walks will be on established paths through nature reserves and other green places.  

Trainers, walking shoes or walking boots – something with a reasonable tread so you can make positive contact with the trails and that you feel confident to walk on uneven ground in. They should be reasonably sturdy so your feet are not slipping about inside the shoe.

Clothes – dress for the weather. Layers are good – things we can peel off as we get warm and layers we can add on as we cool down when we stop or if the temperature drops. The ideal is lightweight, quick drying material but T-shirt and a couple of long sleeve layers is good enough.  Jeans are not great as they stay wet and cold for a long time and can rub.

Bring or wear a coat – ideally windproof or waterproof but use whatever you have and we’ll adapt.

• Bring or wear a warm hat and gloves if the forecast is chilly. An umbrella can be handy too.
• Bring water– at least 500ml, ideally 1 litre in a resealable bottle.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat are good to have as we move to spring.
• Your phone for photos, navigation etc.
• Personal medication that you would normally have access to. If you’ve a small first aid kit that would be great, however the facilitator will have a full First Aid kit with them. If bringing an Epipen or salbutamol or similar inhaler please let the facilitator know at the start of the walk.
• Camera / phone.
• Snack bar/ favourite nibbles for energy.

We will go out in all weather (unless it is dangerously cold or windy), so dress appropriately. We’ll adapt the walk length or route to match how we feel and the weather.

Sorry, but we are not able to accommodate children.

As we will be in Nature Reserves and in groups of folk who may / may not like dogs, we’d prefer you not to bring a dog with you.

People who have had or have cancer who have come to know of the walks n talks through the Cancer Council ACT. People of all ages, cultural backgrounds, shapes and sizes. People who are curious about being in nature, gentle exercise, learning a few new skills / practices and would like to do that in company.

You can choose to say as much or as little about yourself as you like. 

We ask that everyone accepts some basic principles in how we’ll be together such as respecting one another, respecting the world we are walking through etc. We will actively work with anyone using inconsiderate or offensive behaviour or language and may ask them to leave the group.

We will walk on established paths or even earth; some sections may even have blacktop; there will be stepped sections.