It’s Good To Go Walking for Health And To Volunteer Too!

Published on: 13 Jun, 2019
Updated on: 18 Jun, 2019

By Annelize Kidd

co-ordinator of the Guildford Walking for Health group

‘’Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, but they have the heart,’’ is a quote I saw somewhere on social media, and yes, volunteering comes from the heart but it also warms the heart. Helping others gives you that lovely warm glow of satisfaction when you see others do well under your guidance.

A Guildford Walking for Health group on Pewley Down. Annelize Kidd is wearing the yellow hi-viz tabard.

Another quote I like is “Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because what they do is priceless”. No amount of money can pay you for that special feeling of wellbeing experienced helping others.

Walking for Health (WfH) is a national initiative to encourage people to go walking. Walks are run by volunteer walk leaders, walk backmarkers and special helpers who come along on the walks because they love to walk and talk with others, and help people get healthier and happier. 

If you love helping others, and walking in the outdoors, then becoming a walk leader or back marker is perfect for you. Volunteers are typically expected to give an hour and a half of their time. You could be helping once a month, or more often, or even once every two months, it’s up to you how often you want to help. This is such an easy way to give something back to your local community.

A walk group and volunteer leaders at St Catherine’s Lock, Guildford.

The health walks are a good way to make new friends and discover beautiful outdoor places. Walks are aimed at people recovering from illness, people wanting to get a bit more active, for those feeling lonely or sad, or for those who you just want to come along for a nice social walk and talk. Walks conclude with optional refreshments at a nearby café or pub. 

Our health walks mean a lot to our walkers. Here are some quotes:

“The walks contribute towards my wellbeing… encourages me to walk on my own as well… shows me places I wouldn’t have gone to on my own… a sense of belonging… contribute to my mental health wellbeing.”

‘Walking for Health’, what a lifesaver! I was in the depths of depression after losing 2 members of my family and was prescribed anti-depressants… I was then introduced to Walking for Health… what a simple, inexpensive (actually free) enjoyable cure! 

Walkers cross ‘Monkey Bridge” on Whitmoor Common, Worplesdon.

“The walk leaders are amazing and inspiring and really makes you feel you will overcome your problems by ‘Talking and Walking’ and how true this is.  I feel so much better mentally and of course physically fitter in the process.  This should be the number one NHS prescription — it’s good for mind, body and spirit. I for one can’t praise it enough.’’

“Walking for Health has transformed my life. It took me back into the community from growing isolation and mental health problems. Without it my battle would be much tougher.”

“How much pleasure and benefit I get from Guildford Walking for Health. Not only the actual walking in an unhurried and caring group, the enjoyment of the local countryside, but also the chance of social interaction that is of real benefit to me.” 

There is always lots to see and chat about on a walk.

Guildford Walking for Health has five walk groups. Walks are mid-morning. Mondays from Boxgrove Park; Tuesdays from Worplesdon Place; Wednesdays from the Seahorse Inn Shalford; Thursdays from the Recreation car park in Shere; and Fridays from the Jolly Farmer pub, Burdenshott Road, Worplesdon. 

Volunteers have to make their own transport arrangements to the starting point of the walk group they wish to be part of – fortunately, most of the walks start close to a bus route. 

Walkers enjoy some refreshments at the Jolly Farmer pub, Burdenshot Road, Worplesdon.

As one of our Walking for Health volunteers, you will find out not only how to be a great leader, but also get that feeling that you’re making a difference. It’s a wonderful way to diversify your CV, meet people in your local community, be part of a group, and enjoy the great outdoors!

As a volunteer, you’ll get support and advice from your local scheme and the national Walking for Health team, and receive free training and insurance cover. 

Click here for more volunteering stories.

Click here for Guildford Walking for Health’s website with full details of the walks offered.

Click here for Facebook page.

For more details write to Annelize Kidd: Guildfordwfh@outlook.com.

Explore the local countryside in the company of others on the walks hosted by Guildford Walking for Health.

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