Scottish Health Walk Network

Tommy’s walking story (OUT on Sundays)

“The walks welcome people who sometimes can’t be themselves in other spaces, or with other people. We encourage walks to be safe and welcoming so people can be themselves, authentically.”

OUT on Sundays is a LGBTQI+ walking group in Glasgow for local people of all abilities who are open and friendly. The walks offered by volunteers are sometimes themed, covering topics like mindfulness, photography and street art. They are also sometimes walks with a purpose to help the local community by litter picking and maintaining the local area.

Walk leader Tommy shared how unlikely connections and friendships easily blossom, particularly between participants from different generations and walks of life.

The walks are tailored to the needs and asks of participants, centred around routes which link locations across the city and add an element of fun and surprise with the use of walking quizzes and games.

The walks also offer a safe space for people to be their authentic selves. This is especially important for members of the community that have previously found it hard to integrate, find their confidence and be part of their local places and spaces.

The group will even get together for a walk on Christmas Day:

“Christmas Day can be difficult for many people, simply because they are lonely, and have no one, or they have family and can’t be who they are, or they just need to escape the typical festivities.”

Tommy, walk leader

Joining OUT on Sundays means that people have a trusted tribe that walks together.