Women's walking group 'delighted' by funding boost

The founder of a walking group that aims to help women feel safe and confident while outdoors has said receiving funding for a new programme is "incredible".

Women Only Walks (WOW), which works with more than 2,000 women across Leicestershire, was set up by Jemma Redden in 2024 in a bid to "reduce any barriers that women have when accessing the outdoors".

The group has been awarded £6,000 from Harborough District Council's Ward Improvement Grant and £2,000 from Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity for the project.

Redden said the group would use the funding to introduce first aid training, safety equipment and structured guidance to support walkers of all experience levels.

The 40-year-old set up WOW in Market Harborough while taking part in a charity walk in aid of the MS Society, which has supported her after she was diagnosed with the condition.

She posted on social media to see if anyone would keep her company on her walks amid growing national concerns for women's safety.

The community interest company's private Facebook group with more than 2,000 members.

"There are so many concerns in the world when it comes to safety and we always hear from women that they feel the countryside is locked out for them because they just don't feel safe walking alone," she said.

"Where we are is quite rural in places and there are lots of places that women just don't feel safe walking, particularly at night or when the weather is bad.

"There are lots of these types of groups around the UK, but what is unique to us is that safety is number one."

Redden said the funding would support the launch of the WOW Safer Walking Programme, which will introduce practical measures to improve confidence, accessibility and safety for women taking part in local walks.

The scheme will include outdoor first aid training for volunteer walk leaders and members, safety equipment such as first aid kits and visibility lights, and structured walking guidance.

"The funding news is incredible," she said. "We're delighted.

"It's not just about walking, it's about confidence, community and knowing you're not on your own.

"We're trying to reduce any barriers that women have when accessing the outdoors."

Councillor David Page, who has worked alongside his colleague Stuart Finan to secure the funding, said: "We combined our ward grants to support this worthwhile programme because women should be able to walk locally with confidence and without fear."

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