Building Roads Together: a peer-led, community-based walking and rolling peer support program for inclusion and mental health

Abstract

The program founder selected Regent Park for Building Roads Together© pilot program implementation because it is one of 31 neighbourhoods identified by the City of Toronto as a Neighbourhood Improvement Area based on a low Neighbourhood Equity Benchmark score indicating that it faces serious inequities requiring immediate action. In addition, Regent Parkhas a higher than average proportion of residents who are recent immigrants, and is Canada's first social housing development undergoing a 25-year process of transformation to a mixed-income community. Community partners confirmed that Building Roads Together responded to community needs and complemented existing programs and supports. Building Roads Together is an award-winning community-based peer support walking and rolling program designed to promote inclusion and reduce health inequities. Strong bodies of evidence demonstrate that peer support, walking, and exposure to green space, each on their own or in combination, reduce social isolation and improve health and mental health. The program founder designed Building Roads Together based on this research evidence; a needs assessment including interviews, focus groups, and meetings; and her lived experience. The needs assessment informed program design, including name, goals, approach, and curriculum. Building Roads Together includes the following phases: (1) Community engagement; (2) Partnership development; (3) Neighbourhood-based Walk the Talk Advisory Groups; (4) Peer Walking/Rolling Group Leadership Training; (5) Mentoring/Support; (6) Peer Walking/Rolling Groups. The training curriculum combines peer leadership, inclusion, and communication skills; practical skills required to create and manage a walking group; and information about urban green space. In partnership with the Centre for Learning & Development Toronto and theRegent Park Community Health Centre, the program founder trained 42 peer walking group leaders and mentored multiple walking groups.