The district council would like to hear from anyone who has an hour or two spare a week to help out at Health Walks in Bridport.
Additional volunteers are needed to help lead short walks around the town for people who want to get a bit more active.
The walks are aimed at people whose health would benefit from a bit more exercise and who want other people to walk with. The walks take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30am and start and finish at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in South Street.
Each walk has two trained volunteer Walk Leaders who make everyone feel welcome, chat to new walkers, choose the route and make sure no one is left behind. The walk usually takes about half an hour. After the walk there is always an opportunity to go for a cup of tea and to socialise.
West Dorset District Council Leader Cllr Robert Gould said: “These organised walks in Bridport are a great way to go out a meet new people and are also a good form of exercise and an opportunity to keep fit.
“The district council is committed to supporting residents in West Dorset to lead healthy and active lifestyles.”
A one-day Volunteer Walk Leader training day will be held from 9.30am to 4pm on 22 October 2014 at the district council’s South Walks House offices in Dorchester with West Dorset District Council Sports Development Officer Sarah Davies.
The course is for anyone willing and able to lead walks in the community. It is a day of practical advice and includes practice in leading a walk and information on keeping people motivated.
Training is free to attend and includes workbooks. A £10 deposit is needed but participants will be refunded on the day. Cheques should be made payable to WDDC. Please bring clothing and footwear suitable for a half an hour walk around Dorchester.
By the end of the day, volunteers should go away with:
• A good understanding of what Walking for Health is and who runs it
• Knowledge of the main benefits of regular walking
• Understanding of the role of the walk leader at the start, during and at the end of a health walk
• Confidence to start leading your own walk
• Familiarity with the paperwork for leading a walk
To book or more information contact the district council’s Sports Development Team on 01305 252263 or [email protected]. All participants should be booked on the course a week before the session.
