'I knew people that needed help' Kingswinford pub manager organises weekly walk for locals who need support which has become huge hit in local area

Fast forward three weeks and 16 has turned into 68, with people all over Kingswinford messaging to take part after Bea put a poster up in the boozer to let people know that the support was there for those that needed it.

Bea said when talking to a friend over a couple of drinks she saw 'red flags' and was worried they were going to 'do something' which left her with a feeling of needing to support them and other people who may be in a similar situation.

Originally from Coventry but moving to Kingswinford with her husband and two-year-old three years ago, the good Samaritan said when she moved to the area she was welcomed by the locals and wanted to give something back to return the favour. 

Speaking yesterday, Monday, January 20, she said: "My friend and I was talking about doing Park Run because we had really got into it and a regular said she would love to but she didn't feel confident running so we told her it was fine to walk instead.

"At the same time I had been talking to a friend and the way they were speaking raised some red flags and I was worried about them doing something, so together we decided to take a walk and it just grew from there.

"We arranged one for New Year's Day then put up a poster about it and 16 people showed up, we were all really excited to see people come and share the walk with us. Then we decided to make it a weekly event."

When turning up for the second week's walk Bea said she was amazed to see 36 locals show up, which was followed up by 68 people last week.

She said: "Seeing how many people are coming now really brings it home as to how helpful a bit of exercise and company can be for people, seeing the smiles on people's faces as we all walk together is just incredible.

"I can see the effect it has had on the friend I was worried about, so if we can all together do that for more people then this idea has really done more than we could have ever imagined."

The busy mum-of-one said she wants to make sure people know the walking is not just for the regulars at Park Tavern, it's for the community, which she wanted to thank for welcoming her to the neighbourhood when she first moved there three years ago.

She said: "I get messages of people who don't come into the pub and want to join us and I immediately tell them to come take part. The club may have started between friends at the pub but it's for anyone that needs it and we want to see it help as many people as possible.

"I moved here with my husband and our little-one a few years ago and we the local community is really close-knit and were so welcoming to us. We're really happy to be here and we hope the walking club and all of its wonderful members will be here to welcome more people as the weeks go on."

The walk takes place every Wednesday at 7pm. There is no need to sign up as anyone is welcome to join so simply pop along to take part!