Volunteering Opportunity: Health Walk Leaders with Hertfordshire Health Walks

Would you like to walk within a friendly group, make friends and enjoy the health benefits walking has to offer whilst helping others to enjoy walking too? Volunteering is flexible and there is no expectation of time commitment.

The Countryside Management Service would like to recruit more volunteers to support existing Hertfordshire Health Walks and set up new, shorter walks for people who are not currently active or are returning to activity after an injury or illness. Join our team of more than 200 volunteers who help others become healthier and happier by walking together outdoors. No experience is necessary. You can lead walks or provide support from the back. Volunteer once a week or once a month it is up to you. Training is free and nationally accredited.

Hertfordshire Health Walk volunteer training is certified by the National Wellbeing Walks initiative.

Opportunity Type: Other

District: Dacorum, East Herts, Hertsmere, North Herts, St Albans, Watford, Welwyn/Hatfield

Location: Outdoor

Time of day: Casual or Intermittent

Practical Considerations: You will need to be a registered walker and have attended at least two Health Walks prior to proceeding with your training.

Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS)

Suitable for: 18 – 25 year olds, Aged 26 and over, University students, Families, Older People, Rehabilitation friendly

Suitable for volunteers interested in: Environment & Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing, Mental Health, Social Activities, Sport, Activity & Outdoor Pursuits

Full Description:
Leading walks between 10-90 minutes as frequently as you wish
Making walkers feel welcome and safe
Researching and planning routes, and being aware of possible alternative routes
Ensuring the necessary simple paperwork is completed and kept up to date
Turning up rain or shine when you have agreed to lead, or finding another leader to stand in if you are unable to attend
There are also opportunities for Health Walk volunteers to support the scheme with administration, publicity and community engagement
Enjoying the walks and encouraging the walkers to do the same

David, who has been leading Health Walks for around 18 months, explains how he first got involved. “I needed to get out because two years ago I broke my ankle and I had to get that mobile, so I was looking for shortish walks to do and saw the Health Walks. I knew someone who was a leader already who suggested training as one. So, I went out to start off with them as a walker on some of the shorter walks while I was recuperating and then did the leadership training.”

David explains the benefits of taking part, “I’m out in the fresh air, it motivates me to get out of bed when it’s a bit drizzly - but when you get here, and you meet everybody again it’s great fun. I like being out and meeting people – exactly the same motivation I suspect as the other walkers, I just do it with a group of people following along behind me.”