Our community is what makes this group special

As well as being great fun, SMILE's activities (walks, group dinners, and quizzes) enable everyone to come together and support each other. I know, I can pitch up on my own, and I will be welcomed with open arms. Never judged. I am truly grateful to be a part of something  which has perhaps been missing in modern life in recent times - a loving, caring community that is SMILE ❤️ (huge gratitude to Lee and Karl for setting this up).

Lorna W

On joining the SMILE group I was at a point in my life where I had changed a lot of personal circumstances in my life, I was lonely and unhappy and needed more. I joined SMILE on my own feeling nervous and anxious. I told myself “what’s the worst that can happen, if I don’t like it I just won’t go again” I needn’t of worried I felt comfortable with the people around me and realised there were a lot of people just like me needing more in their life. SMILE has opened my life to a whole lot more than just walking, there have many social events that have been a great success. From SMILE I feel I have got to know a much wider circle of people that I would consider to be good friends. Probably one of the best things I have ever done.

Michelle D

I moved from another part of Essex approximately 3 years ago and found myself missing having a local group of friends to socialise with, to have coffee with etc. I had also moved very nearby some beautiful walking spots that I hadn’t explored properly and found there were so many new areas I hadn’t discovered. I then came across SMILE and didn’t have the confidence to join until my sister agreed to come along for my first walk. The first walk was eight miles long and never put us off - but actually made us even more motivated to keep coming. We’ve been attending regularly ever since and it’s helped me discover some areas of Rochford and Southend I hadn’t been to before! By attending SMILE I’ve made some very good, like-minded new friends and now have a small group that I call close friends who all get together outside of the walks for coffee at each others houses, lunch / dinner out and various events out together! We all met at SMILE and I’ll always be grateful that SMILE brought us together!

Suzanne M

SMILE is a friendly and welcoming group; it has really improved my mental health and confidence. It has helped me feel more positive, comfortable in myself and connected with others.

Gem B

Come along - there are loads of people in a similar position attending from all walks of life and the group will make you very welcome.

Suzanne M