Volunteers are the most integral part of a Health Walk. From offering a friendly welcome at the start of the walk, to keeping participants safe, happy and refreshed throughout, volunteers make the hundreds of Health Walks taking place across Scotland fun, accessible and free!
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Read about the roles of volunteers then fill out the short form at the end of this page.
What can volunteering with Health Walks offer you?
- Physical health benefits – promote a healthy lifestyle and improve self-rated health
- Social benefits – improve companionship, tackle social isolation and improve connections and relationships in your personal life, workplace and community
- Mental wellbeing – improve your confidence, purpose and life satisfaction
- Personal development – develop new skills, gain knowledge and experience, develop attitudes and increase employability
Why are volunteers important to Health Walks?
- Health Walks only exist because of the dedication and support of volunteers
- Across Scotland, volunteers are leading and supporting over 850 regular Health Walks which support the health and wellbeing of themselves and the nation
- Volunteers provide a safe, supportive and welcoming space for participants of all abilities to enjoy low-level activity, to meet new people, make friends and enjoy paths, routes and greenspaces within their local area
A Health Walk Leader isn’t the only role you can explore!
The range of volunteer opportunities can include:
-
Health Walk Leader – become a trained Walk Leader in your area to support the delivery of Health Walks
- Health Walk Leader assistant – help the Walk Leader with some of the tasks on local walks
- Route Planner & Checker – find, research and check new routes that are safe and suitable for your local Health Walk
- Welcomer and Buddy – a more informal role which helps ensure all new participants to a Health Walk have someone to talk to on their first visit
- Refreshments Organiser – some Health Walk groups use a community space for refreshments at the end of the walk – this role supports the preparation of food and refreshments to keep participants happy and fuelled!
- Volunteer Social Organiser – getting volunteers together to share and support each other twice a year is wonderful
- Publicity Volunteer – put up posters, distribute leaflets and help with the promotion of your Health Walk to encourage new walkers to join
- Lots more ideas depending on your skills and the Health Walk group you join
How do I become a volunteer?
If you're interested in volunteering with your local Health Walk, fill out our short form. We'll connect you with your local Health Walk project who will be in touch about opportunities in your area.