Sunlight breaking through the trees in the New Forest
Following the success of their health walk programme, Winchester City Council is looking for volunteer leaders to help deliver a programme of regular short walks across the district. The walks aim to encourage more people to lead an active lifestyle and enjoy the many benefits that walking brings.
There are currently 7 walks taking place across the Winchester district with over 100 people taking part each week. The new leaders are required for walks in Colden Common, Kings Worthy and Winchester City Centre. Responsibilities include welcoming walkers at the start of each walk, providing a brief explanation of what the walk entails and ensuring that paperwork such as registration forms and walk registers are completed.
Walk leaders receive ongoing support from the Council’s Active Lifestyles Officer as well as fellow walk leaders and have the chance to meet new people, whilst enjoying a sociable weekly walk.
Vicky Jones, Winchester City Council’s Active Lifestyles Officer said; “Our walks are proving to be so popular that we now need new volunteers to help us. Our walk leaders are a friendly bunch and provide all the advice and encouragement a new walker needs to build fitness at a pace that is right for them. You don’t need to be extremely fit yourself to volunteer and we provide all the training you need for free. You’ll soon be making a real difference by supporting all kinds of people to lead a more active lifestyle. There is always a lot of laughter on our walks so get in touch to join in the fun!”
Winchester Health Walks is part of Walking for Health, England’s largest nationwide health walk scheme. Run in partnership with Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support, hundreds of schemes are supported to offer short walks which are free of charge. Walks are open to everyone but are particularly suitable for those who may find it hard to be active due to health conditions. Through Walking for Health thousands of people – including those affected by cancer – are helped to discover the joys and health benefits of walking.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like further information please contact: Vicky Jones on vijones@winchester.gov.uk or 01962 848 493.
