Tom & Marie's walk leader journey

Staff from the Noah’s Ark Centre in Ovenden are helping young people discover the benefits of nature, walking, and wellbeing, thanks to Walk Leader Training delivered through Active Calderdale.

When Tom and Marie from the Noah’s Ark Centre attended the training earlier this year, they were already passionate walkers. But this training, part of Active Calderdale’s support for community organisations, gave them the confidence and skills to turn that passion into a powerful way to engage young people. This is their story.

Helping Young People Find Their Way

"Earlier this year, we attended the Walk Leader Training at the King’s Centre in Halifax. We were sent by our employer, the Noah’s Ark Centre in Ovenden, as part of the Integrated Wellbeing Service (IWS), a holistic programme that combines counselling, cooking, and walking groups to help young people understand how physical and mental health go hand in hand.

We were already seasoned walkers, used to plotting routes and losing ourselves in the wilder corners of the country. But this training gave us the confidence and structure to share that love of walking with groups of young people. It was a huge success.

The day strengthened our knowledge and gave us the reassurance we needed to lead large groups safely. A quick map-reading refresher was just what we needed to feel ready, not only to guide others but to help young people take the lead themselves. We’re already seeing them plan routes, navigate with confidence, and make decisions as a team.

The training also opened our eyes to the practical side of group walks, risk assessments, contact information, and safety planning, as well as our impact on the environment. We make sure to leave no trace, closing gates behind us, and staying on paths where possible.

Many of the young people we work with face financial barriers, so we’ve provided boots, base layers, and waterproofs. Removing these obstacles has been game-changing. Bit by bit, we’re watching confidence and resilience grow.

We now run several groups through Noah’s Ark, in partnership with Calderdale College, The Orange Box, and Newground Together. Our local walks have helped us build skills close to home mainly in Halifax and the feedback from young people has been great. Over the summer, we’ve also ventured further afield, from Hebden Bridge to Gibson Mill, Todmorden to the Bridestones, and Howarth to the Brontë Bridge.

Seeing the transformation in the young people has been incredible, they support one another, read maps, and embrace challenges with enthusiasm.

Without the Walk Leader Training, none of this would have been possible. It’s inspired us to continue developing our skills and take on even more ambitious projects, such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

Helping people access nature is one of the best ways we can develop a love of the great outdoors and reverse and decline in nature and combat the climate crisis. These things begin at the grassroots, with ordinary people becoming passionate about nature and there’s no better way than getting out there to explore."