The 2508 Salvos weekly Walk n’ Talk group has re-started for 2024 but with a difference… there’s no talking! Well, for the first five minutes, anyway!

The popular weekly walking group starts every walk with five minutes of timed silence. Something that was hard for some walkers to get used to when it was first introduced earlier this year!

“We ask that people spend the first five minutes of the walk quiet with their own thoughts,” said 2508 Salvos Mission Leader, Lauren Martin. "The suggestion is that they use the time to shake off any worries of the world that they are carrying into this space, and ask God – or their higher power – to show them what it is that they need to talk about that day."

It's an idea that Lauren took from a Salvation Army walking church operating in Brisbane.

“When I heard about the use of silence, it really appealed to me,” she said. “So many of us (me included!) spend each day rushing from one thing to the next. To be able to start a new activity with some deliberate quiet time, in prayer or contemplation, is a beautiful gift to self.”

Walkers have reported back that the five minutes of silence is helpful.

The ‘Walk n Talk’ group was started a few years ago by 2508 Salvos volunteer and fitness instructor, Alison Hawley, who operates her own personal and group training company, Fluro, Fun N Fitness. She is passionate about seeing people thrive and introduce exercise into their lives for the body, mind and soul benefits.

The group walks for 45 minutes and Alison likes to show people around the bush trails that are hidden just beyond the residential streets of Helensburgh. 

“One walker last week said she has lived in Helensburgh for more than 10 years and she never knew these trails were here!” said Alison. “I love to connect with people and bring joy into people’s lives. Walk n Talk is a big part of that.”

The 2508 Salvos walking group meets at Charles Harper Park Rotunda in Helensburgh every Wednesday at 11.45am. Updates on Facebook.