Life satisfaction and well-being
Benefits gained from being in a group were linked to an enhanced sense of well-being through providing companionship, chatting, having a laugh and being with people who share similar conditions. Participation in the group-led format provided motivational factors, that is, to attend sessions and complete the activities. Post-programme, a modest improvement in global life satisfaction was reported by instructor-led participants in the 6-week questionnaire which was maintained, although reduced at 18-weeks (Similarly, walk leaders and community partners felt the programme had impacted on participants’ health and provided social benefits.I would say the social impact I think is the biggest thing that I see… is that it just seems to be a really friendly way of getting active but also meeting other people and I’ve heard of people that have gone on walking programmes that have then met people that then go on to do other things. (Stakeholder 6)In several instances the “group” enhanced the participants’ social networks, some of which were sustained after the programme ended in the form of self-organized social activity networks. One group organized themselves, continued to meet monthly at different area locations and even participated in a parade celebrating city organizations and groups.