Mandy's vision helps Mixenden to shine

Since we first shared the story of the Mixy Marchers, Mandy’s journey and the group itself have continued to grow and evolve, while staying true to its roots.

The walking group is still going strong in Mixenden, with between 6 and 19 women attending, depending on people’s circumstances. What hasn’t changed is the supportive environment it offers - a safe, friendly space where women can walk, talk and build confidence together.

While Mini Marchers and netball sessions are no longer running, the walking group remains an important part of helping women stay active, connected and supported in their local community.

For Mandy, the group continues to be deeply personal. Around three and a half years ago, she became a full-time carer for her grandson, alongside leaving her role in early years to study Health and Social Care Management at university. This has meant she can’t always lead every walk, and understandably, attendance can dip when she’s not there. But rather than a negative, this reflects the trust and strong relationships built within the group.

To help the group continue, Mandy introduced a Mixy Marchers Buddy System, empowering members to support one another and keep the walks going. This has strengthened peer support and made the group more sustainable, a key part of its long-term success.

As Mandy became more aware of wider needs in Mixenden, particularly around women’s empowerment, SEND support and family wellbeing, the idea behind Mixy Marchers began to expand. This led to the creation of Shine Within C.I.C, which now brings together a range of community-based wellbeing activities, with walking still at its heart.

Today, Mixy Marchers sits within Shine Within C.I.C. as a core offer, alongside initiatives such as Glow Within and Open Arms Hub, supporting over 35 families. Shine Within itself now regularly supports 20+ women, providing non-clinical, peer-led support that helps people feel connected and valued.

Mandy’s passion for her community extends even further through her role as Chair of the Mixenden Community Partnership (MCP). Through this work, she has helped secure improvements to the park at Dodge Holme, making it more inclusive for SEND families. The impact has been clear: more families are now able to access the space, be active through play, and benefit from improved physical and mental wellbeing.

The wider community offer continues to grow too. Through MCP, a men’s darts team has been established, regularly welcoming over 20 men and providing an important space for social connection and peer support, helping to tackle isolation in the community.

Community events are also bringing people together on a larger scale, with a recent Easter event at the urban park welcoming over 400 attendees, a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through partnership working and a shared commitment to improving wellbeing.

Despite this rapid growth, walking remains at the core of it all, a simple, accessible activity that continues to bring women together, build confidence and create lasting connections.

The group has also adapted to challenges along the way. Seasonal drop-offs in winter have been addressed with shorter routes, indoor alternatives and regular check-ins. Confidence barriers for new members are gently overcome through a non-judgemental, “come as you are” approach, and shared responsibilities help prevent volunteer burnout.

Looking ahead, Mandy hopes to build on the group's success by developing a SEND-inclusive walking offer. Previous “Mams and Prams” sessions showed how valuable accessible, family-friendly activities can be, and with the right support, this could grow into a dedicated offer for families who often face barriers to being active.

The impact of Mixy Marchers is best captured by the women who attend:

“I joined because I’d lost my confidence after having my little one. The group gave me a reason to get out of the house and feel like myself again.”

“I don’t drive, so having something local and friendly has been a game changer. I’ve made friends for life.”

“The walking helped my fitness, but it’s the laughs and support that keep me coming back.”

“Being part of the clean-ups makes me feel proud of where I live again.”

From one woman taking a step to improve her own wellbeing, to a growing community supporting others, the story of Mixy Marchers shows the lasting impact of local, accessible walking opportunities.

And as Shine Within C.I.C. continues to grow around it, that first step — getting out for a walk — is still helping women across Calderdale feel connected, supported and empowered to shine.