Step up and lead the way! ANGUSalive look for Volunteer Health Walk Leaders
ANGUSalive are delighted to join a Scotland-wide campaign to recruit new health walk volunteers as they look to expand their growing programme.
ANGUSalive, and a number of partners, hosts various Health Walks throughout the county which are short, social and led by friendly, trained volunteers. The group say the low-level walks are a great way to meet new people and enjoy the mood-boosting benefits of regular walking.
Rhona Guild, ANGUSalive’s Health Walk Co-ordinator, who had a successful career in the NHS before taking up the role said “Volunteer health walk leaders are the heartbeat of our programme. Not only do they make sure that our walks are delivered safely, they also make sure that everyone who attends is made welcome. They sometimes won’t know it, but they make a huge difference to people’s lives by simply being there on the walks and chatting to people. We have already seen the positive impact having several health walks across Angus have had and are looking for more volunteers to build upon our early success.
ANGUSalive is a member of the Scottish Health Walk Network, which is the Scottish walking charity Paths for All’s accreditation scheme for safe, accessible, volunteer-led walks.
They are also looking to expand the number of walks they do in the region and want to further extend the types of walks that they do. ANGUSalive have recently launched “Buggy-Walks“, a programme aimed at young parents and carers, collaborating with colleagues in the ANGUSalive library service which ties in with the much loved Bookbug.
Kirsty Rankin, Walking for Health Manager at Paths for All, said: “Volunteers are the most integral part of Health Walks. We support over 800 short, sociable and accessible low-level walks right across Scotland. They’re open to everyone and they’re free, but they don’t happen by themselves.
By volunteering with a local Health Walk project, you’ll get the opportunity to take part in our Walk Leader training, so you’ll feel confident and ready to support people to walk more in your community. You’ll feel the benefits of taking part in a Health Walk too! If you’re looking for fitness, friendship and fresh air, as you support people in your community, this could be the opportunity for you.”
Paths for All support over 800 Health Walks across the country, and believes regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life. 78% of Walk Leaders volunteering their time reported an increase in confidence due to their role, while 80% reported gaining new skills.
If you would like more information on how to become a Health Walk Volunteer with ANGUSalive, please contact rhona.guild@angusalive.scot.