A Solihull mother who overcame homelessness and depression has created a women's walking group that now supports over 3,000 members across the West Midlands.
From Struggle to Support
Keeley Skelding, 46, founded Solihull Women's Stride Squad (SWSS) with friend Vicky Evans after recognising the urgent need for women's mental health support. The pair were stunned when more than 100 women turned up to their first organised walk.
“Until that point, we never realised how much it was needed,” said Keeley, who now runs the group voluntarily full-time. “We find a lot of women are offered counselling but the waiting lists are really long.”
Life-Changing Impact
The group has witnessed remarkable transformations, with women who previously wouldn't leave their homes now attending weekly walks. Others who felt isolated after losing their husbands have found new friendships and confidence to try new activities.
Expanding Across the Region
Similar groups have now started in Kenilworth, Acocks Green and Babbs Mill, with the founders offering their support to expand the movement across the region.
Dozens more have signed up since the story was reported on BirminghamLive Premium. The full article, titled “The Solihull mums changing lives after 'suggesting a walk in the park and 100 women turned up'”, is available for further reading.
