WHY VOLUNTEER WITH GUILDFORD HEALTH WALKS?
“I love walking and I love speaking to people so volunteering with Guildford Health Walks combines my two favourite things, and you know you are helping others who need a group to get them out of the house. Volunteering with such a great group of people is something I look forward to”.
‘‘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.
Another quote I like is “Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because what they do is priceless”.
If you love helping others, and walking in the outdoors, then volunteering for Guildford Health Walks is perfect for you. As one of our 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!
Guildford Health Walks has five walk groups each week. Walks are mid-morning on weekdays and are 60 to 90 minutes long. You will have to be there 15 minutes before the walk starts to take a register; all the walks have the option to stay for refreshments afterwards.
You can choose which group(s) you help with: Mondays from Boxgrove Park; Tuesdays from Worplesdon Place; Wednesdays from the Seahorse Inn, Shalford; Thursdays from behind Shere Village Hall; Fridays from the Jolly Farmer, Burdenshot Road.
All of the walks are accessible by car and by public transport.
As a volunteer, you will get support, advice and training. All walk leaders are insured. You will be expected to give about an hour and a half for every session you help with but your commitment each month is up to you. You could help once a week or once a month or somewhere in between.
To volunteer, please email volunteers@guildfordhealthwalks.org.uk
Our health walks mean a lot to our walkers. Here are some quotes:
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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.
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‘Guildford Health Walks’, 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 Guildford Health Walks… what a simple, inexpensive (actually free) enjoyable cure! 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.