Do you enjoy walking with other people, and do you have a couple of hours to spare each week? If so, Age UK B&NES would like to hear from you.
Volunteer leaders are needed for a series of new Wellbeing Walks planned across Bath and North East Somerset. The walks are being organised by Age UK B&NES in partnership with Sirona Care and Health.
The Wellbeing Walks will be open to all ages and will run from June 2013. Four walks are planned each week across the Bath, Keynsham, Radstock and Midsomer Norton areas, and it is anticipated that two volunteer walk leaders will be needed for each walk.
Paula Smith from Age UK B&NES said: “We’d love to hear from people who enjoy walking and would like to support others in their community. Helping other people to get out and about, regain their confidence, improve their fitness is such a worthwhile way of spending your time.
“Walking is a great way of keeping fit and active and can really improve your health and happiness. Being outside in the fresh air with good company often means that people are unaware that they are even exercising. The walks will be short, just a mile or so in distance, so that they are suitable for a range of people.”
Walk leaders need to be able to offer up one or two hours of their time every week and need to be friendly and sociable. All Age UK B&NES volunteers receive a one day training course, reimbursement of travel costs, induction and support.
Simon Knighton, chairman of Sirona Care & Health, said: “This is part of our continuing drive to make Bath and North East Somerset the healthiest place in which to live and work. To date we have focused on giving up smoking and losing weight but exercise is really important too and this is a simple way for people to take that first step.”
Martyn Price, head of Sirona’s health improvement service, said: “We are delighted to be working with Age UK B&NES on this innovative project. These Wellbeing Walks are a fabulous way not only of improving strength and stamina but meeting others too. Regular exercise not only keeps you fit but improves your health and keeps you active.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Wellbeing Walk Leader contact Kate Tate, Acting Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 01225 466135 or [email protected].
People interested in taking part in the new wellbeing walks are encouraged to get in touch with Sirona’s Healthy Lifestyle Service on 01225 831852 or email [email protected].
