Grassroots Batley & Dewsbury is a group dedicated to improving health and wellbeing for women and children. Founded by Sara Javid, a public health professional with a lifelong passion for physical activity, the group works with local people and communities to create healthier starts for children and new opportunities for women.
What Grassroots offers…
At the heart of Grassroots is its women-only walking group, which meets weekly Monday-Thursday. These sessions are about much more than exercise: they’re a chance to connect, share, and find support in a safe, welcoming space. Over the years, women of all ages and backgrounds—from mums with prams to those managing long-term health conditions—have joined the walks. Together, they’ve walked through rain, snow, and sunshine, proving that nature and companionship can be powerful medicine.
Alongside walking, Grassroots offers art and craft sessions, family activities, cycling lessons, and confidence-building workshops such as self-defence and healthy relationships. Whether it’s walking side by side in the fresh air or trying something new, the focus remains the same: building confidence, strengthening communities, and improving wellbeing.
We spoke to the founder, Sara Javid, to learn more…
An Interview with Sara Javid
What inspired you to start Grassroots, and how did walking become part of that vision?
I have been trained as a Public Health Professional and that role is really about understanding what it takes to keep people healthy and prevent illness and disease. It is the science and art of keeping people and communities well. I worked in a strategic role with a range of commissioning responsibilities for all of Kirklees. I started a community group which is now a charity and but still wanted to do something to support the local community. From my professional role I know the evidence tells us that people need to be supported, encouraged and building connections between people also supports their health. Many years ago I qualified as a Personal Trainer so physical activity has always been a deep passion of mine.
Women kept telling me they love to walk but there aren’t spaces, groups and didn’t know where to start. People don’t always have the confidence to start things alone so I started it, with a vision to offer individuals support and encouragement, hoping that the group would become a social space for the women and it would springboard mini walking groups across different areas.
Can you tell us about the walking sessions—what they’re like, and who comes along?
There are a whole range of women who join us, there are mums with prams, teenagers and women of every age. One lady joined us as part of her wellbeing plan to get her through chemotherapy. When someone has a bad day – they tell me they made a mental note to commit to coming for a walk on that day. It has become an integral part of a day or week for some people.
There are women from all sorts of backgrounds and the beauty really is seeing how these women from a range of backgrounds get fully immersed in conversation, getting to know each other or just sharing what is currently on their minds. It’s rewarding for me and they tell me how therapeutic it is for them,
We walk all year long with some breaks across school holiday period, but there have been some iconic moments walking through snow for instance!
Why do you think walking has been such an effective tool for wellbeing in your community?
Anyone can walk, it’s free and available to us all! Taking the fresh air enjoying the views across Batley really does wonders for your mind and wellbeing. Another important component are the relationships that are formed both the ones that remain introductory or the ones that have become very personal over time.
Members get to know the route and each other, both the regulars and those who join occasionally. The familiarity builds trust and confidence. Once they see others walking in the rain, the dark, windy days or even the gorgeous sunny days, they know they can prioritise it too. Seeing women take action for the health and wellbeing can be contagious!
Grassroots offers so much beyond walking. How do the different activities connect?
The central premise is about enhancing wellbeing and goes back to my Public Health training in understanding that certain things are the building blocks for health in communities. Building self esteem, building confidence raising aspirations and helping families and children in having new experiences or opportunities transfers into other areas of life. It gives you the ability to try new things, push yourself into a new arena, maybe apply for a job, a course, problem solve better at school or see yourself in places you otherwise wouldn’t. Activities like the self defence sessions are so important so women can conquer the world with confidence and encourage independence. It is all about building strong communities.
What would you say to a woman who’s never joined a walking group but might be curious?
I would say come on down! It’s free, it’s s drop in, there is no commitment, you can change your mind on the day and no one is going to ask questions about why you changed your mind. The route can be adapted for those who are newer to walking and shortened to help build stamina. I often walk with anyone new so they are supported and absolutely no-one walks alone and no one is left behind!
Community Voices
The impact of Grassroots is best told through the women who’ve experienced it:
Grassroots Batley & Dewsbury is proof that a simple walk can spark big change—helping women find strength, friendships, and new opportunities along the way.
If you would like to talk to Sara about joining Grassroots, scan the QR code to join their WhatsApp group.
A big thank you to Sara and everyone at Grassroots for bringing together their community in Kirklees!
Get Involved with Walk Wheel Ride
Walk Wheel Ride is all about making walking, wheeling, and cycling accessible to everyone. Whether you’re looking for inclusive routes, local activities, groups to join, or inspiring stories, we’re here to support you on your journey.
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