Getting started

It could not be easier to get involved in the scheme. All you have to do is turn up for a walk, complete a medical questionnaire and off you go.

A walk works with one leader walking at the front and another leader at the back of the group. The walk is a health walk and not a ramble. It is designed to promote physical, mental and social well-being. The walk starts at a gentle pace to warm up the muscles and mobilise the joints. the pace will then increase slightly to a brisk walk, increasing the heart rate, and this will help achieve the various benefits to your health. The walk is not a race and a brisk pace will be what feels comfortable to you.

Volunteer walk leaders are trained to lead the walk and are also trained in first aid. They are there to help and to answer any questions you might have. We want this to be an enjoyable experience for you so if you feel something is not right during the walk or if it is going too fast then tell a leader and they will slow down with you.

Are you interested in becoming a leader?

The scheme relies on volunteers to lead the walks. Our team of volunteers not only lead the walks but also help in distributing the leaflet and promoting the scheme.

New volunteers are always wanted. We offer a one day training course of practical advice that covers:-

• Benefits of exercise.
• Motivating people to walk.
• Components of a 'Health Walk'.
• Safety.
• How to lead a walk
• Essential paperwork
• Demonstration 'Health Walk'

Completion of the training leads to the award of a certificate. In addition to the one day leaders course we also offer our leaders the opportunity to take a basic first aid course.

Regular training days take place throughout the year. for more information please email the Leisure Development team using the link on the right.