Why do we need you?
We have been running walks around the Wandsworth Borough with great success and for the ultimate goal of helping people become healthier and more social.
Physical activity can help you make a positive change to your life. Walking is one of the easiest ways to become active as it doesn’t require any specialist equipment to get started, with just a good pair of walking shoes you’re ready to go.
Health walks aren’t cross country hikes requiring a map or compass. They aren’t competitive or timed and they aren’t fitness training sessions that people have to pay for in order to join. They’re completely free and led by volunteers like you. They’re sociable because they’re done as part of a group and they’re open to all – particularly to those who haven’t done any physical activity lately or have a long term health condition.
As walk leader, you will be helping people in your community to get active and healthy, providing vital support that they otherwise might not get. As well as ensuring walks are friendly, safe and well run, walk leaders are also our ambassadors for walking, their scheme and Walking for Health - showing people that walking really can make a big difference to their lives.
How much time should you offer? When would you be needed? Where will you be based?
- All volunteers will need to complete a half day training course delivered by Enable before leading their first walk.
- We have various walks around the borough that could suit your location and time, when filling in the application form please select the suitable location, time and day that you will be able to dedicate weekly.
- Most walks are between 45minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes so including travelling, preparation and paperwork, leading a single walk close to home typically takes around 2 hours
- This role is based out in the community and involves working without supervision at times
- You will have the opportunity to build the walk up and help the growth of the weekly sessions.
What activities will you be involved in?
- Walking routes beforehand (“recce-ing”) to make sure you know them.
- Welcoming walkers to the walks, particularly new walkers.
- Giving a brief talk before the walk to make sure everyone is prepared.
- Making sure paperwork like registration forms and registers are completed.
- Leading and managing walks, usually jointly with other walk leaders (including “back marking or “middle marking” as well as leading at the front).
- Making sure walks are welcoming, friendly, enjoyable and safe, following our best practice guidelines and the requirements of your scheme.
- Trouble shooting and dealing with problems on walks, with the support of your scheme coordinator
What can you gain from this opportunity?
- Opportunity to develop your leadership and people skills.
- Chance to meet new people, including like-minded volunteers.
- opportunity to discover more of your local area and spend time being physically active outdoors.
- full training with a nationally recognised and well respected scheme
- ongoing support and guidance from Enable
- reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses according to guidelines.
Is there an induction and training?
- You will receive an induction before you start your first walk
- we will provide you with the training you need to complete the role.
What are we looking for?
Someone who is:
- Enthusiastic about walking
- friendly and welcoming with good communication skills
- observant and sensitive to the needs of others
- able to communicate the basic benefits of walking and physical activity
- reliable, punctual, honest and well-organised
- able to follow guidance and support and work independently
- able to provide information and instructions to small groups
- able to take control and be assertive when needed.