I have a background in community development, most recently specifically around reducing isolation in marginalised communities, where I have recruited, trained and matched volunteers with people who are lonely and/or at risk of isolation. As a dog owner and walker, I have daily opportunities to go outdoors and interact with other people, and I recognise the value of my own physical, mental and emotional health. My project, Walkies and Talkies, is a dog walking business with the added value of offering opportunities for lonely people who do not own a dog to walk with us and enjoy the benefits of non-judgmental interactions for an hour at a time, hopefully easing the distress of loneliness.