From Sofa to Stroll: empowering residents with long-term conditions

Calling all nature-lovers in Derbyshire Living with Long-Term Health Conditions. Do you find walking a struggle? Would you love to be more active, but at a gentler, more mindful pace surrounded by nature and supportive people who understand?

Then why not join one of Derbyshire’s new Sofa2Stroll+ accessible nature walks, a series of uplifting, community-led strolls designed especially for people living with long-term health conditions.

These gentle, inclusive walks are the creation of two big-hearted former nurses, Nikki Hall and Michelle O’Connor, who have transformed their own health challenges into a mission to help others reconnect with movement, nature, and wellbeing. 

Nikki and Michelle know first-hand what it is like to face barriers to movement.

Nikki, now a Work-Life Balance and Personal Development Coach, was determined to help others after overcoming severe pain to pursue her nursing career. 

Nikki was born with Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) – a rare genetic condition affecting connective tissue, joints, and organs – so she understands the importance of moving gently, listening to your body, and finding balance.

Michelle’s journey was equally life changing. Once active and working full-time as a nurse, she suddenly found herself unable to sit up without dizziness, fainting, and exhaustion.

After two years, she was finally diagnosed with Hyperadrenergic PoTS (Postural Tachycardia Syndrome) and Reactive Hypoglycaemia. Forced to retire on ill-health grounds at 45, she began rebuilding her life from the sofa up, finding that exercise helped her regain both physical strength and confidence. 

Michelle says: “It reminded me that even on the hardest days, I could still take part, just differently. That’s why I wanted to help create walks where everyone feels they belong, whatever their starting point.”

Together, they discovered that being outdoors became their happy place, a lifeline that helped them adapt to their conditions, rebuild mobility, and nurture both physical and emotional well-being.

Nikki says: “Nature became our medicine. We wanted to create a space where others could experience that same sense of calm, connection, and empowerment.”

When Nikki and Michelle could not find a walking group that truly suited their needs, they decided to create one.

Michelle explains: “Many walks were too far, too hilly, or moved too quickly. We needed a group that understood how unpredictable living with long-term conditions can be…and one that welcomed everyone, at their own pace.”

As a result, Sofa2Stroll+ was born, offering free, accessible walks in nature that focus on connection, community, and calm. Originally launched earlier this year at Elvaston Castle Country Park (third Thursday of each month), the walks have been a huge success  . . . filled with friendly faces, laughter, and shared moments of peace.

NEW, Sofa2Stroll+ has expanded to Ilkeston on the third Tuesday of every month.

Each gentle stroll begins with a warm welcome and refreshments at the café before exploring the flat, scenic routes through the nature reserve . . . ideal for anyone looking to move more, stress less, and feel better.

These events form part of the Walk Derbyshire and Erewash Walking Programme, with additional support from the Erewash Exercise by Referral scheme. This initiative helps healthcare professionals connect patients with gentle, supported activity options in the community.

Councillor Josy Hare, Erewash Borough Council Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We know that around 27,000 adults in our borough get so little exercise they are effectively inactive – and nearly 10,000 live with a limiting condition or disability.

“The council is on a mission to help residents move more, feel better, and connect with others. Sofa2Stroll+ is a wonderful example of how small steps can make a big difference.”

Nikki and Michelle are also proud members of Walk Derbyshire and qualified Mental Health First Aiders, ensuring a compassionate, welcoming space where everyone feels seen and supported.

To find out more or book your place, scan the QR codes on the official poster or visit Facebook and Eventbrite. Come as you are, move at your pace, and discover how the smallest stroll can lead to the biggest smile. 

EVENT DETAILS
What: Sofa2Stroll+ Accessible Walks
When: 3rd Thursday of each month = Elvaston Castle Country Park
3rd Tuesday of each month  = Straws Bridge Nature Reserve, Ilkeston
Time: 10:30am start – 12:30 end
Cost: Free
Booking: Via QR codes or Eventbrite (See poster for details)