Sophie Expresses her theory of being “passionate”
A walking group that aims to reach out to local Black women/women of colour in the Bristol area to encourage an interest in walking, wellness, and bonding over similar lived experiences has now reached out to over 1700 women.
Sophie Brown, founder, writer and wellness advocate, shares many of her thoughts and hopes for the future of the ‘Steppin Sistas’.
Sophie’s intention at first, was to set up the group to be established in the Bristol area, without funding, as she was unfamiliar with ‘funding and the politics’ that came with it. There were other members, who approached her to give her support for a very short time, That was great , many lessons learned.
Sophie says
“What I am working on this year is to push harder. Working on more walks, we have been collaborating with other walking groups for larger walks further afield in Wales, and areas around Bristol “
This year we will be stretching out to The Netherlands and Hadrians wall, as well as being involved with Bristol Walk Fest, YHA Walk Fest, North Somerset Walk Fest. And a big hike in Croatia for the near future.
“I have limited the walks from 4 walks a month to at least 2 walks because I need to look after myself in between and focus on my own wellbeing – I call it a recharge”
We now have 3 other members who has attended the lowland walk leader qualification this month and will be assessed later this year.
The walk leader training has been funded by the National Trust to support more walks for Bristol Steppin Sistas. The members have an agreement to lead walks for Bristol Steppin Sistas.
In the past we had funding to train 5 other members – 4 members passed the training and out of 4 only one member has been leading the walks – Noted
Moving on from that, I have been introducing my group to other different things – authentically. First aid weekenders – facilitated by Remote Hospital Training (Based in Wales)
“I enjoy being committed to people who have a passion for supporting others with their wellbeing, and at the moment I am just doing what I can by myself, by choice. I am constantly being approached by other companies offering help, which I am very grateful for.
It’s not always about the money, as I always believe in helping others should be from the heart with loyalty. I always believe that if you enjoy creating something with a passion, then it can work. We are the blueprint of our passion – its in us, not on us – so it could never be taken away”
I do ask for help if I need help, I can sometimes find it a bit difficult to accept unsolicited advice about something that I already have full knowledge on, because we all work and think differently, hand on heart I can’t accept agendas, because I doesn’t seem real to me to have those intensions, hence working by myself to keep my group flowing how I want it to flow.
My aim is to provide a non- profit service to Black women/Women of colour in the Bristol area.
And to keep the division closed between us inside and outside of the group
Our new website is up and running, take a peek here
Also, my latest promotional video can be seen here.
Thank you for your time and support
Sophia Brown – Founder- Bristol Steppin Sistas
How to get involved?
We have a Facebook group that we recommend joining in order to get more involved. It is a very welcoming community, and its where we post information about our walks.
The Facebook group, titled ‘Bristol Steppin Sistas (All women of colour welcome)’ can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223891986148385/
Website
Featured Image: Sophie Brown
