'We can ensure that even more women benefit' - Girls Who Walk Preston secures £20K in National Lottery funding

A Preston’s women’s walking group says they are “absolutely delighted” to receive a multi thousand pound funding boost.

Girls Who Walk Preston CIC has today announced it has received a £20,000 funding boost from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.

The grant will support the fast-growing community group in delivering active and social events alongside its signature weekly walks, making community connection, mental wellbeing support, and physical activity accessible to even more women and non-binary people in and around Preston.

What began in January 2025 as a simple open invitation to meet new people in the park has rapidly expanded into a vital community asset.

The new funding will allow the volunteer-led organisation to broaden its event offering, host accessible wellbeing and social activities, and ensure its core spaces remain inclusive and free or low-cost for participants.

Grace Gudgeon, Co-Founder of Girls Who Walk Preston CIC, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund. When Alex and I first started Girls Who Walk Preston in January 2025, we never could have imagined the growth it would experience in such a short space of time. What began as a simple idea to bring women together through walking has grown into a thriving community, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the incredible members who show up week after week, support one another, and have helped shape what Girls Who Walk Preston has become.

”This funding is a huge boost for our organisation and will help us continue creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where women and girls can build friendships, improve their wellbeing and feel connected to their local community. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can expand our activities, reach more people across Preston, and ensure that even more women benefit from the confidence, support and sense of belonging that our community provides. We’re incredibly grateful for this investment and excited about the opportunities it will create for the future.”

Alex Judge, Co-Founder of Girls Who Walk Preston CIC, said: “One of the most rewarding things about Girls Who Walk Preston is seeing our members step outside their comfort zones, whether that’s coming along to their first walk alone, trying an activity they’ve never done before, or getting involved in shaping what we do. Our community has developed in ways we could never have planned, largely because of the ideas, experiences and enthusiasm of the women who are part of it. We want our members to feel that this is something they can actively contribute to, not just a group they attend.

“This funding will help us turn more of those ideas into reality, creating opportunities for women to build confidence, discover new interests and get involved in their local community. We’re excited to keep listening to what women in Preston want and need, and to work alongside our members and local partners to make those opportunities accessible to more people.”

One member, who only wants to be identified as Amy, said: “I was introduced to Girls Who Walk Preston when I was in a very dark place in my life. I was told about the group by a mental health professional and after a few unsuccessful attempts due to anxiety, joined the group on a walk. Before long I found myself taking part in walks and social activities on a regular basis. Takingpart in walking and social activities has helped my mental health in many positive ways.

“Getting out of the house and going for walks has helped me clear my mind, reduce stress, and feel calmer when I’m struggling with my thoughts. Being outdoors and getting some fresh air helps improve my mood and gives me something positive to focus on. The social side has also made a big difference because it gives me the chance to meet people, have conversations, and feel less isolated. It has helped me build my confidence and feel more comfortable around others without putting too much pressure on myself. Having something to look forward to has given me a sense of routine and purpose, and I often feel better mentally after taking part.

“Overall, walking and social activities have helped me feel more connected to others, more positive about myself, and better able to cope with everyday challenges. I really do feel, that if I hadn’t found this group, my life would have taken a very different path, and this may be a deep thought, but I feel it has saved my life.”

To date, Girls Who Walk Preston CIC has hosted over 350 events, welcoming more than 5,000 attendees.

The group currently delivers an average of 18 events each month, spanning weekly walks, fitness sessions, craft workshops, social meetups, and a monthly book club.

Find out more about Girls Who Walk Preston by visiting their website at girlswhowalkpreston.org