Nikki is discovering more about her local neighbourhood by travelling actively

Nikki enjoys being outside and spending hours in the garden, and loves to give something back to the local community. She signed up to BetterPoints Southwark as soon as she heard about it through a local newsletter.

‘It seemed to come at the right time as I was keen to increase my level of activity having done very little over the past few months.

‘I find it really motivating, and I like how I don’t feel like I’ve failed if I’m not active for any reason.’

Nikki has taken to walking home from work a couple of times a week.

‘It’s meant I get to see the neighbourhood more, spend more time outside and it also helps me to switch off mentally after a stressful day.

‘I’ve found that walking and cycling improve both my mental and physical health. They improve my cardiovascular fitness, help keep my muscles strong and also support healthy joints by keeping the weight down as I get older.

‘Travelling actively has given me more time for me; I find I often think through things in my head as I’m walking or cycling home which helps me sort them out.

‘I also find I am more connected with friends and family as I use the time when walking to call them and have a good chat.

‘I know the area well, as I spend a lot of time greening the neighbourhood up by planting bulbs on patches of bare land and generally making the area a nicer place to live.

‘However, through BetterPoints, I have explored more local streets off the main drag as I tend to take the “scenic” route to avoid traffic.’