Sofa2Stroll+

21/01/2026

A Truly Uplifting Sofa2Stroll+ at Straws Bridge 🌿

We enjoyed such a beautiful Sofa2Stroll+ this week at Straws Bridge Nature Reserve. Our group of seven shared a gentle, unhurried stroll…swapping knowledge about the stunning nature around us, supporting one another through warm, friendly conversations, and taking mindful pauses to listen to the birds singing joyfully in the trees above. 🕊️🌳

We finished the morning just perfectly with a cosy hot drink in the nearby café…a chance to relax, reflect, and enjoy that lovely feeling of calm connection that lingers after time spent outdoors together. ☕✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a special stroll. 💚

We’re really looking forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces again next month… (every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:30) …come as you are, move at your pace, and enjoy the magic of nature with us. 🌿💫

17/01/2026

🌿 A Gentle Winter Wander at Elvaston Castle ❄️💚

We enjoyed such a calm and restorative Sofa2Stroll+ walk this week at Elvaston Castle Country Park … one of those mornings that quietly fills your cup. The weather was kind to us: dry, crisp, and just cool enough to feel refreshing rather than cold. 🌬️

As we strolled, birdsong followed us along the path and Mother Nature showed off her beautiful winter colours, reminding us that even in the quieter seasons there is so much to notice and appreciate. 🍂🕊️

Our small but mighty group of four walked, chatted, shared a few laughs, and finished with a well-earned warm drink before heading off into the rest of the day feeling calmer, lighter, and more connected. ☕✨

Our next Sofa2Stroll+ takes place this coming Tuesday at Straws Bridge Nature Reserve.
🕥 Meet in the car park at 10:30am

We’d love to see you there … come as you are, move at your pace, and let nature do the rest. 🌿💫

12/01/2026

New for 2026: Online Listening Lounges ✨

We’re excited to be launching a brand-new series of online Listening Lounges for members of the Derbyshire Mental Health First Aiders Network.

🗓 Thursday 12th February
⏰ 10–11am
📍 Online

These sessions offer a supportive, confidential space to connect with fellow Mental Health First Aiders, share experiences, and prioritise wellbeing — because looking after others starts with looking after ourselves.

🎟Free tickets available – booking essential: https://zurl.co/1GMHA or scan the QR code on the poster.

👥 Who is the network for?
Anyone in Derbyshire or Derby City who has completed MHFA England Adult or Youth training and uses their skills through work or volunteering

📩 To join the network:
Email mhfa@erewashcvs.org.uk with your contact details and a copy of your MHFA certificate.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

12/01/2026

Knowing where to find the right support can be hard. We've got the handy traffic light system to help guide you to the level of support appropriate for your needs.

Links in the image below
https://dccmhsp.com/crisis
https://dccmhsp.com/Support
https://dccmhsp.com/LetsChatDerbyshire

08/01/2026

🌿 Dates for Your Diary — Gentle Steps, Real Support, True Connection 🌿

FREE Accessible Walks for People Living with Long-Term Health Conditions

We can’t wait to welcome both familiar faces & new strollers to our monthly Sofa2Stroll+ walks ... gentle, inclusive, & created to help you feel supported, connected, & confident whilst out in nature. 💚

You have two beautiful opportunities every month to join us, choose one, or come along to both:

👉 Every 3rd Tuesday at Straws Bridge Nature Reserve
&
👉 Every 3rd Thursday at Elvaston Castle Park

👇See below posters for full details.

Each monthly walk is designed to be accessible, relaxed, and friendly, with plenty of time to pause, chat, and simply enjoy being outdoors at your own pace.

📌 Booking is recommended ; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sofa2stroll-103715373891.. but don’t worry, we can also book you in on the day if that’s easier.

We’re really looking forward to seeing you next week ... come as you are, move at your pace, and let nature gently nurture your wellbeing. 🌿✨

19/12/2025

14/12/2025

🌿 Sofa2Stroll+ Update 🌿 - 🌧️ CANCELLED FOR DECEMBER 🌧️

After much careful thought, we’ve made the difficult but caring decision to cancel both of our December Sofa2Stroll+ events on:
📅 Tuesday 16th December - CANCELLED
📅 Thursday 18th December - CANCELLED

☔️Recent weather conditions — including heavy rain, strong winds, and waterlogged paths — mean the parks are currently not safe for gentle strolling, particularly for those with limited mobility or who rely on walking aids. Your safety always comes first. 💚

🤧In addition, there has been an increase in cases of a particularly nasty flu strain circulating at the moment. With many of our community living with long-term and chronic health conditions, it feels important to take a protective pause rather than risk anyone’s wellbeing during social gatherings at this time.

While we know how much these walks are valued (we’ll miss you too!), Sofa2Stroll+ has always been about care, inclusion, and doing what’s right — not pushing on regardless. Sometimes the most supportive step is choosing to slow down and wait for safer, calmer conditions. 🌿

Please take extra care of yourselves over the coming weeks — wrap up warm, rest when you need to, and keep doing the small things that support your wellbeing.

We’ll be back in the New Year, ready to stroll again together when the days feel lighter and safer. ✨

Thank you, as always, for your understanding, kindness, and continued support.

Sending warmth to you all 💚

25/11/2025

🌿 What a Joyful Week of Sofa2Stroll+ Moments! 🌞

Last week we hosted both of our monthly Sofa2Stroll+ free events (every 3rd Tuesday & 3rd Thursday)… and goodness, what a beautiful week it was! 💚

We were over the moon to welcome new faces alongside our wonderful regular strollers.

Together, we gently ambled along at a comfortable pace, taking regular pauses to breathe, settle, and soak in the beauty around us … from the shimmering lakes to the colourful flora and all the curious little bits of fauna that crossed our paths. 🍂🕊️✨

We gave ourselves permission to slow down, regulate our breathing, and connect deeply with nature through our senses.

And as always, both mornings were filled with warm conversation, shared stories, and plenty of laughter …the kind that lifts the spirit and reminds us why community matters so much. 🌸💬💚

Here’s to more gentle steps, joyful moments, and nature-nurtured smiles. 🌿✨

See you next month for our Christmas strolls 🎄

15/11/2025

💚 Small Steps, Big Smiles 💚 at Elvaston Castle Country Park

We’d love you to join us for our next FREE Sofa2Stroll+ gentle nature walk at the beautiful Elvaston Castle Country Park — created especially for people living with long-term health conditions who want to feel supported, uplifted, and connected. 🌿✨

📅 Thursday, 20th November at 10:30am (for 1 - 2 hrs)
📍 Meet in the main car park by the large wooden carved Owl

We’ll be there in our bright yellow hi-vis and even brighter smiles — ready to welcome you for a calm, friendly stroll through the stunning park grounds. 🍂🕊️

Each walk is thoughtfully designed to be gentle, accessible, and inclusive, with plenty of time to pause, chat, and soak in the beauty of nature around us. Whether you come for the movement, the mindfulness, or the company, you’ll leave with a lighter step and a warmer heart. 💚

👉 Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sofa2stroll-103715373891

(Or don’t worry — we can book you in on the day if technology isn’t your thing!)

And yes, pack a raincoat and maybe those trusty wellies — though the forecast hints at a little sunshine too! 😄🌞

Come as you are. Move at your pace.
Let nature nurture your body, mind, and soul. 🌿💫

15/11/2025

Our next Straws Bridge Nature Reserve Sofa2Stroll+ is this coming Tuesday ... 18th November at 10:30am — it’s completely FREE to join.

☕ We’ll start with a friendly cuppa and chat, followed by a relaxing stroll through nature.

Meet in the free carpark at the information board. We'll be in our yellow high viz and bright smiles as usual...

👉 Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sofa2stroll-103715373891 (or we can book you on the day if you struggle with I.T)

Come as you are. Move at your pace.
Let nature nurture your body, mind, and soul. 🌿💫
... and you might need a rain coat & wellies, although it looks like some sunshine is 'predicted' at the mo 😄

04/11/2025

So lovely to see Sofa2Stroll+ featured! 🌿 Thank you for helping us spread the word … we can’t wait to welcome more friendly faces to our next walk at Straws Bridge!

People with health conditions that make it difficult for them to keep active are being invited to enjoy Erewash’s great outdoors – thanks to a new series of specially-tailored free strolls.

The morning walks – called Sofa2Stroll+ – are the brainchild of big-hearted former nurses Nikki Hall and Michelle O’Connor. The pair first launched them in Elvaston Country Park – and have now brought them to Ilkeston on the third Tuesday of each month.

The next is on 18 November. The gently-paced outings over flat terrain at Straws Bridge Nature Reserve are billed as “accessible walks in nature aimed at helping those with chronic health conditions get out for a stroll”.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sofa2stroll-103715373891

22/10/2025

🌿✨ WOW ... What a Fabulous Launch Day at Straws Bridge Nature Reserve! ✨🌿

Yesterday marked the beautiful launch of our new (additional) Sofa2Stroll+ walk, and what an uplifting morning it was! 💚

We began the day with a cosy cuppa and warm conversation at the welcoming Cafe@Castlefield, taking time to connect and get to know one another.

The group of strollers who joined us were truly wonderful ... full of kindness, laughter, and great conversation as we enjoyed a gentle, mindful stroll around the pond and then the lake. ☕🚶‍♀️💬

Even the weather blessed us with sunshine, and nature put on a show just for us ... from graceful swans and playful ducks to a proud cormorant standing guard by the nest and a majestic heron searching for brunch. 🦢🪶🌞

It was the perfect way to start the day ... peaceful, joyful, and full of connection. We all left with lighter hearts, brighter smiles, and that wonderful sense of calm that only nature can bring. 🌸✨

We can’t wait to do it all again at our next Sofa2Stroll+ on Tuesday 18th November at 10:30am.

Come join us ... every stroll starts with a smile and ends with a little more sunshine in your soul. 💚🌿