'There is no stress when we're all out together - we know how to communicate with each other'

Bolton’s Deaf Asian Women’s Group meet once a week to explore their local area with people they can communicate with via British Sign Language (BSL). The aim is to help deaf Asian women overcome barriers to exercise, while also enriching their social, physical and mental wellbeing. 

The group, part of the Bolton Deaf Society, feature in Transport for Greater Manchester’s first campaign video to be recorded in BSL as they receive funding via the GM Walking and Wheeling Fund. 

One of its members, Sameena Khan, has been visiting the Bolton Deaf Society centre in Bark Street for many years and was instrumental in re-starting the walking group after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“At that time, a lot of people had issues with their mental health, such as depression, and they had become lonely,” she said. 

“Prior to coming here I was struggling with my health myself and I just feel a lot better now. Since joining the walks, I have more focus on my physical and my mental health and my overall wellbeing has improved.”

The group explore beauty spots in and around Bolton in a stress-free environment. 

Sameena added: “We really enjoy the deaf group and getting out walking. It’s peaceful and you can just switch off. It’s lovely to get out and I feel better for doing it.

“Hearing people can just go for a run or a walk and have a chat. But for us, we don’t have that and experience barriers. You see people taking their dog for a walk, they are not looking at each other - hearing people can just chat away but that’s something we’re unable to do.

“It’s much better with the deaf group because we have the same etiquette and we know how to communicate with each other. We have a good laugh and enjoy a gossip too. There is no stress when we’re all out together.”

Transport for Greater Manchester’s summer active travel campaign is putting the spotlight on people and groups who are already enjoying the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling in their area - a key part of the Bee Network, Andy Burnham’s vision for a fully-integrated transport network, connecting all modes of transport.