In this blog post, we found out about Misfits, a dynamic Bristol-based organisation led by and for people with learning disabilities (PWLD). Based at St Paul’s Learning Centre (SPLC), they create inclusive spaces for creativity, connection, and community impact. Thir mission is to challenge discrimination, reduce isolation, and empower PWLD to lead more confident, connected lives. At its heart, Misfits is about community: raising voices, building inclusion, and celebrating the creativity and value of PWLD.
How are you involved in Bristol Walk Fest this year?
Our audio walk ‘Misfits on the Move’ was on the Bristol Walk Fest programme for the whole of May, for people to follow whenever it suits them.
In fact, the walk is available all year round and you can access it here, so don’t worry if you missed it in May: there’s still time to take part.
How did you create your walk?
‘Misfits on The Move’ is the Misfits’ poetry group’s audio walk, originally created for Lyra Poetry Festival in 2023. We walked around Bristol Harbour and wrote poems inspired by the sights, such as We The Curious’ mirror ball, Pero’s bridge and the cranes by MShed. and created the audio-walk so people can walk around, see the sights that inspired our poems, and see the harbour from our perspective.
We loved sharing our audio-walk for Bristol Walk Fest, allowing people to find out more about us whilst exploring Bristol, with an easy, accessible and interesting walk.
Where is your favourite place to walk?
We love walking around the harbour.
There are secret places that make me feel safe and peaceful – Rob
Bill said he really likes to watch the boats, he loves the way they bob on the water.
Liam enjoys visiting the flower garden and seeing the different colours in the sunshine, and Dan likes the way the sun reflects on the water, it feels magical.
Everyone has a different way to go but with our walk we decided to start at the ‘Mirror Ball’ (planetarium) outside We the Curious, as it’s a great place to meet. Then we like to walk along the river watching the boats and maybe stopping for a drink or something to eat, soaking up the atmosphere. Going across the river and ending at the M-shed is something we love so we can see the giant cranes and look at the seagulls flying around.
How long have you been walking there and how did you first discover it?
Rob came up with the idea of walking together around the harbour to create the walk as he had been walking there at night, which felt magical to him. When we talked about it, we realised we each had a different place that was our ‘special place’ by the harbour and everyone had different ways they liked to walk around it.
We decided to go for walks around the harbour as a group over several weeks to share our ‘secret safe places’ and to write about them.
Who do you like to walk with and why?
Most of us like walking with friends so we can have a chat and it feels safer. Sometimes Beth likes to have a walk on her own so she can take things at her own pace and have thoughts running through her head.
How do you feel when you’re out for a walk? Does it change your state of mind?
Walking is great exercise, it can help you calm down in a stress free space.
Walking is body magic – Tim
Have you experienced any health benefits from walking?
It’s just healthy! Good for your heart, it’s productive. Clare told us your body releases endorphins and that’s really good for you.
Anything else you’d like to say about the benefits walking gives you or those around you?
You get vitamin D from the sunshine and walking can help you sleep.
Do you prefer sound, or peace and quiet when walking?
Some of us like music, although some of us do like peace and quiet. Mostly we like listening to what’s happening around us.
What are your walking top tips?
Walk at your own pace, and bring your mobile or tell someone when you are going.
What’s your favourite bit of kit? What would you not leave home without?
Always take a bottle of water and a snack, and don’t leave home without your phone and some money.
Are there any books that inspire you?
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton is our inspiration. We recommend you give it a read.
Find out more about Misfits Theatre Company on their website, here.
