Eight years ago, Keeley Skelding left a troubled relationship with her children, aged just 11 and two. They were homeless for three months as she tried to rebuild her life. Struggling with depression, she sought NHS support but, like many others, was placed on a waiting list and left to cope alone. She battled on to create the best possible life for herself and her daughters.
A chance meeting that changed everything
In May 2025, Keeley joined an organised walk and met Vicky Evans, a like-minded woman who became a close friend. They quickly recognised a significant gap in mental health support for women and decided to act. Together, they founded Solihull Women's Stride Squad (SWSS), a female-only walking group dedicated to offering support and companionship.
When they shared their plans on social media, they were stunned when more than 100 women turned up for the first walk. "Until that point, we never realised how much it was needed," said Keeley, 46, from Solihull, who previously worked as a childminder before committing to running SWSS voluntarily full-time.
From isolation to community
Reflecting on her own struggles, Keeley said: "Thinking back to eight years ago, it was a really dark time for me. I was struggling with depression and my confidence had gone. I felt isolated from my old friends and was financially struggling as well."
The group aims to bridge the gap while women wait for professional help. "We find a lot of women are offered counselling but the waiting lists are really long. We hope that our walks help to bridge the gap. We're not qualified counsellors but we know that our walks are very grounding," she added.
Over the past 12 months, SWSS has witnessed remarkable breakthroughs. "We've had some women who were struggling so much they wouldn't want to leave the house, and now they come to our walks every week," Keeley shared. "Others have spent a long time caring for their husbands and, once they've sadly lost them, they've found their outside worlds are non-existent. They've joined the group and realised they're not on their own. They're now going out to the cinema, and it's opened up a whole new world for them."
One woman who had been sectioned is now managing well thanks to the group. Members travel from Birmingham by bus or taxi, and others come by train from further afield. The walks are not only for those struggling; some attend for exercise or company. "Some come feeling a bit isolated and wanting new friendships. Many say they are so glad they've come and met other people," Keeley said.
All ages and abilities welcome
The group includes women of all ages, from teenagers to seniors, and those with disabilities using walking sticks or scooters. "Everyone mixes, the younger girls with the older women bring a sense of community and shared experience," she added. At its heart, SWSS is more than a walking group—it is a movement built on friendship, support, and the belief that no woman should ever feel alone.
Growing to 3,000 members
Today, SWSS has over 3,000 members. They meet at Malvern and Brueton Park in Solihull on Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings, regardless of weather. The group's message remains: "No woman walks alone."
"The group was created to bring women together for connection, safety, and improved mental wellbeing," Keeley explained. "Everyone is invited, as long as you are female. Mums bring their kids and people walk their dogs. Our walks are really for everyone. While we absolutely support mental wellbeing, a lot of our women come along simply to get out in the fresh air, meet new people, and feel part of something. It's important to us that it doesn't come across as something only for those who are struggling, as that can sometimes put people off. It's a really welcoming, inclusive space for all women, whatever their reason for coming."
In the past year, similar groups have started in Kenilworth, Acocks Green, and Babbs Mill, with Keeley and Vicky offering support. "People have asked if we would go to other areas, and I would love for it to be everywhere. But we're volunteers, and it's a full-time job for me now, so it would be hard work to do it in other communities," she said.
Responsibility and NHS collaboration
Running the group comes with responsibility. "Many of the women who come are very vulnerable, so we need to make sure everyone is safe. We signpost them to other places to find help, and if someone is in a critical position, we need to be able to help them," she said. Keeley hopes for greater NHS involvement: "I would love for the NHS to be more on board with what we do. Local doctors and midwives support us, and when they get someone who is struggling, they give them one of our leaflets and put them in touch with us. But it would be great if they could do more."
Family involvement
Keeley's daughters, now nine and 19, join her on walks. "My youngest is now one of our mini buddies, who wears a hi-vis and goes over and says hello to people. She says her mummy is trying to help other ladies with their feelings. My eldest is busy but she comes when she can to support me. She's grown up to be a very strong young woman who is not letting anyone hold her back," said Keeley, who is now happily remarried.
How to join
The group meets at 6:45pm on Wednesdays at the main gates of Malvern and Brueton Park in Solihull, with a brief introductory talk before the walk starts at 7pm. A second walk takes place on Fridays at 9:45am for a 10am start. The group also hosts events such as menopause chats, drumming circles, picnics, and glow walks in the dark. Attendance is free, with no need to book or fill out forms. "We don't want people to feel they have to come, so there's no membership forms to fill in and no payment necessary, as we feel this would put people off coming. There are no sign-ups, no memberships, and no barriers—just turn up and walk," Keeley emphasised.
One Big Walk celebration
To celebrate their first birthday, SWSS is joining forces with the Men Walking and Talking group to host One Big Walk, bringing men and women together from across the community. The event takes place on Tuesday, May 12 at 7pm in Malvern and Brueton Park, returning to where it all began—since it was an event led by Danny from Men Walking and Talking Solihull that first brought Keeley and Vicky together. Everyone is invited.
