Save Move Mates

Save Move the Masses; a charity offering an invaluable service in York, Leeds, Selby, Durham and Pocklington

Move the Masses was established in 2018 to make walking a reality for the vulnerable in local communities.

Founded in York, the charity now also supports people in Leeds, Selby, Pocklington and Durham.

It has grown and expanded to improve people’s outcomes and wellbeing through movement, access to nature and social connections.

The charity now supports over 300 people to enjoy a walk through their valuable community of over 200 Volunteer Move Mates; volunteers who were royally recognised in last year’s King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Move Mates is a walking buddy project which makes getting out for a walk a reality for people who would otherwise find it difficult to leave their homes. Our volunteers give people the confidence and moral support to leave their homes and go for a walk, improving their physical and mental health outcomes, reducing isolation and ultimately making people feel happier!

Despite the small staff team and board of trustees putting their all into securing funding over the last year, the position was recently deemed critical.

The charity is not giving up hope!

The team and trustees are committed to and passionate about the work of the charity, and the huge impact it has on its community of volunteers, and most importantly on the people who benefit from its offer.

The charity’s volunteers provide more than a walk. They are companionship, safety, reassurance, calmness and consistency. In fact, often they are the only company, safety and reassurance for those the charity supports.

For many, the service the charity provides is a lifeline, the only opportunity a person has to witness the seasons change, to feel the fresh air on their skin and to have someone to chat to.

Move the Masses works in partnership with various other organisations who refer clients to the service.

These include occupational therapists in the NHS and social prescribers who all recognise the impact of the charity.

On hearing that the charity is currently at financial risk, a social prescriber from York said:

“I have referred many patients to Move Mates over the years which has been a godsend to so many.

Without Move Mates, some patients would be stuck at home day in, day out watching television without seeing anyone else.

The regular walks and company offered by Move the Masses is invaluable to many people’s mental health and wellbeing.

They support so many to access exercise and companionship which positively impacts mental and physical wellbeing.

There is no other organisation that would be able to replace Move Mates, and should it close, many would suffer as a result.”

Pocklington supported walker talking about her Move Mate walks!

“Having someone to walk with has made a big difference. I have become more confident, and I enjoy getting outside and spending time in the fresh air. It is also really nice to have another person to matter to, who cares about me and how I’m doing.”

York Volunteer Move Mate talking about a recent first walk with their supported walker!

“The first walk was really good for both of us. We immediately found we had a lot in common regarding our mental health struggles, and we were able to chat openly to each other.

We spent a couple of hours walking and talking. My paired walker said he enjoyed being able to get out into the countryside which he couldn’t have done without a Move Mate. It was lovely to hear him say it was the best time he’d had in a long time. I think we’ll both benefit from our walks together.”

Help us save Move the Masses so the charity can continue its vital work.

Thank you.

For more information on the charity and its impact, visit www.movemates.org.uk