About
Our countywide initiative of free, volunteer-led walks aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get outdoors, get more active and reap the benefits.
Health Walk Support Volunteers
Scan me or visit www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Hertfordshire-Health-Walks/opportunities/Health-Walk-Support-Volunteers/57787 to join
Contact person
Summary
A volunteer for Health Walks can serve as a leader of a group walk or be a supporter who walks at the back and ensures walkers are happy with the pace.Detailed description
Hertfordshire Health Walks is a countywide programme that provides free, friendly, and safe walks.
Without volunteers, we would not be able to provide free walking opportunities to communities across Hertfordshire. We offer a selection of graded walks to best meet the needs of our walkers, including faster walks of up to an hour, and shorter 'First Steps' walks that help to encourage the least active, most marginalised, and vulnerable people to keep active.
Each volunteer is provided with classroom training from Ramblers UK, along with appropriate kit that includes a rucksack, polo shirt, hi-vis, whistle, and cap.
We would LOVE to have you on our team!
Our volunteers help everyone become happier and healthier by walking together outside. Even a brisk walk for 20 minutes a day can help with weight loss, ease joint pain, and improve heart health (to name a few...!)
Being outside in the fresh air with like-minded people can also improve mental health and provide invaluable social connection. Most walks end with the option of going for a cuppa afterwards!
We currently facilitate over 75 walks and a team of more than 300 trained volunteers, and we are always looking to grow these teams or expand to introduce new walking routes. We have recently successfully passed the 'Investing in Volunteers' accreditation for the 5th time! Volunteers say that they feel supported, valued, and feel a powerful sense of community.
Volunteer once a week or once a month - it's up to you! Most leaders volunteer up to 4 hours/month.
You will be working with Project Officers based at Hertfordshire County Council who will be a phone call away should you have any questions.
Ultimately, you will gain a great sense of satisfaction of watching someone improve their walking ability and be able to walk further and faster. "We have a great group of leaders and walkers at Bushey and all feel the benefit of our health walks. Another bonus from these walks are the little invisible support groups who offer help or sympathy where needed."