VOLUNTEERING
'Walking the Way to Health' was a joint initiative set up by the British Heart Foundation and the Countryside Agency. Stratford District Council's 'Walk & Talk' scheme was set up to increase the number of local residents walking their way to fitness. We are always looking for volunteer walk leaders to lead short Health Walks around the Stratford District on weekday mornings and/or afternoons.
We currently provide weekly walks in the following areas: Bidford-on-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam, Stratford and Wellesbourne, and hope to expand both the number of walks and the towns we cover as the scheme develops.
No experience is necessary as full training and support will be given, but knowledge of the local area where the walk is taking place and an interest in walking would be an advantage. First Aid training would be very useful but is not an actual requirement. A fun, informative Volunteer Walk Leader training day will be provided free of charge. This is a nationally recognised training course for which you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Why volunteer?
The 'Feel good' Factor: knowing that you've made a real difference, and actually having the chance to see it first hand.
Increase job prospects: Employers want to know what else you've done outside of work. Voluntary work always looks good on a CV.
Make new friends: This is a brilliant opportunity to meet like-minded people with similar interests.
Getting others involved: You can help the society grow by getting other people involved who wouldn't usually get a chance to do this sort of thing.
Gain new skills: you will receive all the training that you need to take part in the scheme and you will acquire new skills that you will be able to put to good use in the future.
New challenges: you can get involved in something that you've never done before. Facing that challenge will give you a brilliant sense of achievement!
FUN: it's a perfect opportunity to have great fun! It's not just about volunteer work, but about having a good time and enjoying yourself.
What we expect from volunteers:
To commit to leading or assisting with leading a walk in the Stratford District following training.
To ensure that any walk carried out is mapped out and risk assessed properly.
To ensure that each walk is suitable for the ability of individuals within the walking group.
To lead the walks in the manner specified at the Volunteer Walk Leader training including making new participants feel welcome.
To let a suitable contact person know, well in advance, if you are unable to lead a walk to allow time for a replacement to be found.
To ensure that a register of attendance is completed at each walk, to make sure that each walker has completed or updated his/her pre-walk health questionnaire, and to ensure that this paperwork is kept in a safe and secure place as it holds personal details (and must be kept on person by the walk leader for the duration of the walk).
If you are interested or want to know more, please contact the Sport & Leisure Team by telephoning (01789) 260646 and (01789) 260606, or email sports@stratford-dc.gov.uk
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