The unique blend of scenic countryside and historic architecture makes Calderdale a great area for walking. Building on the success of walks set up from GP practices - ‘surgery strolls’, we are looking to develop new walks that provide everyone with the opportunity to get involved.
Active Calderdale has worked with CREW heart support group and local GP practices to recruit and train new volunteer walk leaders. The new walk leaders are looking to develop and lead short walks from GP practices around their local areas, providing accessible social walks for everyone.
The Course
The course was delivered by SPLAT whose trainers are experienced walk leader professionals. The one day course aimed to provide individuals with the skills, confidence and ability to set up and lead local walks. The training was free of charge for participants, in return the ask was they would actively look to set up and lead walks across Calderdale.
The Outcome
The feedback from the participants was hugely positive with everyone saying they felt confident and able to lead walks. We now have a group of 10 trained walk leaders that are ready to create new walks for people in Calderdale. And a few have wasted no time…
We have had two walk leaders volunteer to lead walks! The first is the “Wednesday Walk for All” from Northowram Surgery, a gentle 1 1/2 mile circular stroll with a café stop for a brew and a natter.
The second group will be walking from Spring Hall Medical Practice, with details on that to be announced once the risk assessment and route planning have been completed.
Do you think you could lead a walking group? Or would your organisation be a good place for a group to meet for a walk? Get in touch with us: activecalderdale@calderdale.gov.uk