We are running free a Walk Leader training day on Wednesday, 16th April in Coleford. Here are some thoughts from Sue Skinner, one of our newer walk leaders, on her training and setting up a walk.
I have
always enjoyed walking in the countryside and have long felt the benefits of
fresh air and exercise. However, a year ago I never thought I would be leading
regular health walks as a trained Walking for Health Leader in my local
community, along with a group of enthusiastic friends, neighbours and brand new
friends!
I had
enjoyed doing a couple of health walks elsewhere in the Forest of Dean, but
no-one was running a walk in my area. Thanks to encouragement from our local
Scheme Co-ordinator I volunteered to train to be come a leader. This was both
easy and enjoyable, and it's amazing how much more information I now have at my
fingertips about why walking is so beneficial in so many ways.
A Walk Leader training session, with Sue, standing, on the left. |
The only scary
bit of the training was when it came to leading someone else's walk, in order
to "earn my spurs" and set up my own local walk. Not to worry, I had experienced
walk leaders Kim and Graham to hand to give support and encouragement - oh and
yes, to present me with about 30 eager walkers to lead on a route I didn't
know! This is where my brand new blue Walk for Health whistle came in
handy. The walkers had been well-briefed to behave and be nice to me, so all
went well and I was duly presented with my WfH certificate. Oh yes, and I have
been joined by two more new walk leaders: my husband, Richard, and my
friend Anne.
Kim Spencer, Scheme Coordinator, Sue Skinner, Graham Spencer (Walk Leader Trainer) and Richard Skinner on the day we risk assessed the new walk |
Our walk in
Sedbury began in October last year, tentatively, as twice a month with about 4
- 6 walkers. By December there were 19 of us having a slap-up Christmas
meal together in the local pub after a sunny morning health walk. So
now we have decided to be bold and run walks every week, leaving the
Village Inn Pub in Sedbury at 2pm every Thursday.