Walking together safely
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Walking alongside someone is one of the most ordinary things we do, but it can also be one of the most important.
Watch the video below:
A gentle walk to the shops, across a car park or into a café can make all the difference to someone’s confidence and independence. But offering support well is not always instinctive. Sometimes people hold too tightly, rush ahead, or give too many instructions at once.
In this short film, Lucy and Heather demonstrate some simple techniques we use at Good Company to help people feel steady, safe and supported while still remaining in control of their own movement.
The film covers different levels of walking support, from light guidance through to more supportive positioning when someone needs extra reassurance. It also touches on something we talk about a lot at Good Company, which is the importance of slowing down, noticing the environment around you, and communicating calmly and clearly.
Heather, who is 98 and always game for a bit of fun, was brilliant during filming and captures the spirit of these videos perfectly. We wanted the films to feel approachable and human, because supporting someone well is not about clinical perfection. It is about confidence, dignity and learning together.
The videos in this Everyday Support section of the Know-How were originally made as internal training resources for our staff and volunteers, but we are now sharing them publicly in the hope they may help carers, families and community groups too.