We are looking for eager volunteers to share their enthusiasm of walking with others in their community by leading walks in their local area.
We want everyone to have access to friendly group walks that are within easy reach of where they live to help them stay active and healthy.
As a volunteer Walk Leader, you will provide vital support to people that they otherwise might not get, while staying active yourself.
You’ll work with the Coordinator, Walk Assistants and other Walk Leaders in your area to deliver a range of accessible walks that enable people to bring activity into their lives and feel the benefits.
The roles and responsibilities of a walk leader include:
- Being responsible for the group during the walk, making sure everyone is safe, accounted for and happy during a walk
- Checking, familiarising yourself and risk assessing the route before and during the walk
- Welcoming walkers to the walks, particularly new walkers
- Giving a brief talk before the walk to make sure everyone is prepared
- Ensuring paperwork such as registration forms and registers are completed
- Leading and managing walks which includes ‘back marking’ or ‘middle marking’ as well as leading at the front
- Making sure walks are welcoming, friendly, enjoyable and safe
- Attending occasional walk leaders’ meetings and refresher training - Working with the Coordinator(s) to plan suitable walks.
The skills you will need:
The main skill we need from our volunteer walk leaders is an enthusiasm for walking and its benefits. You don't need any particular experience, but we love our leaders to be:
- Friendly and welcoming, with good communication skills
- Reliable, punctual and well organised
- Confident at speaking in front of small groups - and able to build a relationship with all sorts of people
- Able to take control and be assertive when needed and observant and sensitive to the needs of others
Opportunities available now
As part of a new series of wellbeing initiatives taking place at The Abbey Theatre we have a particularly exciting volunteering opportunity.
We are looking for a Volunteer Walk Leader to lead a new wellbeing walk that will be launched at the Hope Festival on 8 and 9 February. The Leader of this walk will help to promote awareness of the Arts and Culture around Nuneaton.
This is an amazing opportunity for those that want to volunteer as walk leaders whilst learning more about art in our community.
These walks will take place on Wednesdays from 10am until 11am. Full training and art education will be provided.
Cllr Tim Jenkins, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Communities and Health, said:
“There are so many benefits to being a Walk Leader. Not only is it a great opportunity to be part of a friendly group and make new friends, but you are also providing a crucial service that enables people to be able to socialise and take part in exercise in a safe environment.”
“Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated, so please get in touch.”
For more information or to apply to become a walk leader simply email: lizzie.peters@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk.