Danielle Alzahabi said she has watched “something beautiful take shape”
11:38, 29 Jun 2025Updated 12:23, 29 Jun 2025
Danielle Alzahabi said StepTogether is more than just a walking group to her
On any given Saturday, you might notice a group of 20 strong women marching through the village of Lydiate in the early hours. Each of them is a member of StepTogether, a community created a number of years ago by Danielle Alzhabai.
The 39-year-old, who is half-Syrian, started the group because she “couldn’t bear the thought of anyone feeling lonely, invisible or without a space to just be”. When Danielle was made redundant in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, she saw many others creating groups where strangers became friends. After this, she began wondering why she couldn’t do the same.
The University of Liverpool workers told the ECHO: “I saw everyone doing it on Facebook, and thought why couldn’t I? Groups were popping up all over the place at the time because no one had anything to do.
Danielle Alzahabi founded the group several years ago now
“So I set up StepTogether, a walking group that only had four women. We just went around the canal and local sites. It has been going from them, and we are stronger than ever now. I gave my time three years ago, and in return, I’ve watched something beautiful take shape.
“The minute I started it, I was shocked. It really took off. The moment I created a Facebook group, everyone was messaging me, thanking me. It has gone crazy.”
The weekend walks are open to all women, with members aged in their 20s to their 70s.. Walks are posted weekly by Danielle to let members know the distance, route, and time it will take.
Danielle Alzahabi and her group meet at the same spot every week
Danielle, a quality and enhancement administrator, said: “Every single one brings a story, and that’s what makes this special. It’s not about roles or responsibilities. It’s about giving women their identity back, not as a mother, wife, or carer, but as their true selves.
“We walk, we talk, we laugh but above all, we connect. Many of our members are shy, socially anxious, or simply craving meaningful interaction. Step Together offers a gentle, welcoming way to rebuild confidence and community.
“Giving back means showing up, creating space, and reminding people they matter. For me, if I can make someone smile, help them feel seen, or simply give them something to look forward to, that’s enough. That’s why I do this.
“Step Together Liverpool is more than a walking group. It’s a movement based on kindness, shared strength, and the belief that when we give something of ourselves, even just our time, it can change someone’s whole day.”
The group meets at the Weld Blundell before setting off, with one of the more popular routes being the farm shop walk that ends with coffee at an independent venue. The choice to remain in Lydiate only is a deliberate one, Danielle said.
She added: “There’s lots of groups in the city centre and Sefton Park but barely any for us women here. So to create this makes me so proud. Every time I turn the corner and see all the women waiting there outside the pub to begin the walk fills my heart.”