Disability-specific walk club to launch in Torquay

MOMENTUM Disability Support Co. is on a mission to get more people living with a disability moving.

The support company is introducing Move by Momentum Walk and Talk in Torquay, starting on Monday, October 27.

Momentum Disability Support Co. director Lili Morey said during her post-grad study in disability and inclusion she’s been looking at what makes something inaccessible to a person with a disability.

“It might not just be the obvious in the built environment like unlevel walking ground, but just the systemic forces and stigma and how that can contribute to being a barrier for someone with a disability accessing or engaging with something in the community,” she said.

“I know for myself, I see so many run clubs or walk clubs in Geelong, but none of them have actually been disability specific.

“I thought that starting a disability specific walking club would maybe get some people that wouldn’t normally give it a go, to have a go.”

The Geelong-based business already runs two walking groups, one in Geelong and one in Warrnambool, with the warm weather and scenery the reason behind Torquay’s edition.

While the group works to include everyone, its goal is to promote physical health and wellbeing, while doing it in an environment where individuals can connect with others.

“The promotion of walking is so good for you, we all know the benefits of that, but just giving them [participants] an opportunity to build another community for themselves,” Ms Morey said.

“I understand people may have jobs or another hobby or sport that they do, but it just gives people another point of connection.”

Any person living with a disability is welcome to attend the walk, along with any support people, including those who wish to bring a friend.

“We’re all really friendly and lovely so if people are thinking about it, have a go, put yourself out there, you might really enjoy it,” Ms Morey said.

The first walk will set off from the Torquay Foreshore, opposite Pholklore, meeting at 3.50pm.

For more information, head to the Momentum Disability Support Co Facebook page.