Who can benefit from walking?
Here is the exciting answer…EVERYONE!!! Anyone struggling and/or living with short or long-term mental health concerns, and who has a desire to learn skills to help in their recovery process, can do so all while walking.
How physically fit do I have to be?
We are a noncompetitive group and we will meet everybody where they are at physically as well as emotionally. Within each group, we recognize there will be walkers at different stages of physical fitness. What makes this group unique is that everyone will enhance their skills of self-confidence and empathy as we support one another with one step at a time.
***Prior to any physical activity, ALWAYS consult with your physician to ensure your health and safety. CCS Participants will need to have their physician sign a physician form, at the time of referral, to clear him/her of any activity. ***
Where will the walking groups take place? And what do I wear?
Within your community of course! This could be neighborhoods, local trails, or local county/state parks. Many people are not even aware of the beautiful trails and neighborhoods that are right in their own community!
What to wear, you ask? Well, that all depends on the weather and the season. ALWAYS wear comfortable, stable shoes such as tennis shoes or a walking shoe. If it’s cold, wear a warm coat, gloves, hat, etc… to keep yourself toasty. If it’s raining, bring an umbrella and/or coat and we can do some “Singin’ in the Rain”. If snowing, wear similar items as when it’s cold out, and look up and enjoy the snow hitting your face. Ahhhh, mindfulness at its best!
ALL walks (well, ALMOST all walks) will take place in the great outdoors whether the sun is shining, or it is raining, OR it is snowing. YES! You read that correctly! Well after all, we DO live in Wisconsin, the land of 4 seasons. Each season has a beauty of its own…ahhhh, Mother Nature working her wonders. These walks are the time for YOU to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the adventures that each season Wisconsin has to offer. You may learn you like more of the seasons than you actually thought! WOW, that is truly Walking to Empower yourself!!
HOWEVER, if the temperatures range in the danger zones, or there is severe weather (lightning/storms), the walks will take place indoors such as the Oakwood Mall. If severe enough, the walks will be canceled for the day
What if I do not have insurance, or do not know how to apply for the CCS Program, or cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket?
No worries!! We will connect and problem-solve this.
*Current CCS Participant: The walking group will be covered for you provided your CCS Service Facilitator completed the necessary paperwork and submitted it to Locall Motion.
*NOT a CCS Participant: If you want to know if you are eligible for CCS services (ie: to fund the walking group) please contact Eau Claire County to apply. Here are the options:
- Apply in person during the Lobby Hours (7:30am-4:30pm) at the Government Center located at 721 Oxford Ave., Ste 1001, PO Box 840 in Eau Claire, WI 54702
- Via phone at 715-839-7118
- Email: Humanservices.access@co.eau-claire.wi.us
- Fax a completed CCS Referral Form to 715-831-5658
- To view more information about Eau Claire County’s CCS Program, please view their printable CCS Brochure or visit their WI DHS website
*Please contact me personally for private pay or if you are not an Eau Claire County resident
What type of results can I expect?
Actually, quite a bit! Regular exercise has shown as an effective treatment to reduce mental health symptoms and can work as well as an anti-depressant. In addition, exercise increases self-esteem/self-confidence, improves cognitive functioning, and increases social interaction. Finally, walking will help to improve your overall physical health and mood, especially when you are exercising with others. They will end up being your “accountability” partner to get and keep you moving. How fabulous is THAT!
Ultimately, you will leave a walking session feeling calmer, feeling empowered, and your heart full of gratitude to help guide you to live your life to the fullest.
Will your services really work and guarantee the results I want?
Great question, but I have to burst your bubble a bit and say “NO, I cannot guarantee anything” as the answer only lies within YOU! Remember, you are the only one who can make the effort to simply BEGIN moving, which is the first step to seeing results down the road. What I will do for you is to provide you with the tools to motivate and empower you to make changes to begin your path to recovery.
Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it’s like working with you?
Because of the HIPAA regulatory guidelines, I am unable to provide any personal information of current or past consumers. However, you are more than welcome to attend one walking group, free of charge, to ask questions of current walkers.
Can I sample your product or service?
Yes, of course! You are more than welcome to attend one walking group, free of charge, to see if this is the best fit for you.
What types of payment do you accept?
Although Locall Motion does not have reduced fees or a sliding fee scale, we can work out a payment agreement with you as to how to pay your bill in stages. Please speak directly to a Locall Motion representative regarding options for partial payments. Also, Locall Motion does accept checks or cash as a form of payment.
What happens if I need to cancel a session or quit the program?
Life can be stressful at times or maybe something unexpected came up and you are unable to attend a session. If this happens, please attempt to cancel your session 24 hours in advance. If cancellations continue, we can schedule an appointment to discuss any barriers that may be happening. My goal is to work with you and to support you to make the best decision that fits YOU! We, here at Locall Motion, are a team and we are here to empower YOU to be the BEST version of yourself.
What is CCS?
CCS stands for Comprehensive Community Services. It is a voluntary psychosocial program though your local county agency for residents coping with mental health and/or substance abuse conditions.
Do you provide transportation?
No, not at this time.
What ages do you work with?
Walking group participants could range in age from 8 to 108!
What is the format of the group?
The groups will be determined according to age and level of physical fitness.
FOR SAFETY: NO MINOR WALKERS WILL BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE WITH ADULT WALKERS.
Where will the walks take place?
Most of the walks will take place on trails and/or wooded areas. However, some of the walks will occur within various neighborhoods in the county/neighborhood you reside in.
Did you know, walking on trails and being in nature has positive effects on our brains and will make us healthier, happier, and more creative?? The answer is YES!😊 According to Florence Williams (The Nature Fix), in her research about nature, she learned “Beethoven drew inspiration from rocks and trees; Wordsworth composed while tromping over the heath; and Nikola Tesla conceived the electric motor while visiting a park.” Maybe YOU will be the next Beethoven or Nikola…you never know what you will discover about yourself!
How will you provide safety?
- The walking group will always walk in an area that is known and trusted by Locall Motion staff
- All walkers will be STRONGLY encouraged to wear sturdy, appropriate shoes that will give them proper footing
- CCS participants will be required to complete a physician’s form to ensure they are physically fit. ALL OTHER PARTICIPANTS: As with any type of physical activity, please consult with your physician. By participating in this walking group, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in the walking group, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Locall Motion, LLC from any and all claims or causes of action known or unknown.
- Locall Motion staff will always carry a mobile phone for safety
