More volunteers needed for health walks in Bridport

Bridport Health Walk volunteers are seeking to expand their team to help lead their popular walks around Bridport. With additional leaders, they aim to increase the frequency of walks to twice a week.

If you’ve been in town on a Wednesday or Thursday morning, you might have seen a group of around 20 people setting off on one of their regular walks. These routes explore parks, rivers, woods, and green spaces, as well as local residential streets.

Walks take place every Wednesday and on the first and third Thursday of each month at 9:45am, starting from outside the United Church on East Street, Bridport. After the walk, the group enjoys socialising at a local café or coffee morning. The walks are free and open to everyone.

Volunteers commit to leading walks a few months in advance, ideally leading at least three walks per month. This may vary, with some months requiring more or fewer commitments. Volunteers should allocate around two hours per walk, including time to arrive early, lead the walk, and socialise with participants and other volunteers afterwards. Walks are held year-round, except in extreme weather and on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

Volunteer Walk Leader Duties:

• Welcoming walkers, especially newcomers
• Issuing registration forms or assisting with online registration
• Taking attendance
• Walking and engaging with participants
• Ensuring everyone returns safely
• Addressing any issues that arise
• Encouraging socialising post-walk
• Promoting the walks at local events and groups.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said:

"Health walks are a fantastic way to improve your wellbeing while exploring the beautiful parks, rivers, and green spaces around Dorset. These walks are free, friendly, and open to everyone, making them a great opportunity to get active and meet new people.”

Cllr Ryan Hope, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, said:

“Our volunteer walk leaders play a crucial role in making these walks enjoyable and safe for all participants. We’re always looking for more enthusiastic individuals to join our team and help us expand our programme. If you love walking and want to make a positive impact in your community, especially in Bridport, we’d love to hear from you."

A walk leader should be welcoming and friendly, able to walk for up to an hour at a steady pace, available on Wednesday and/or Thursday mornings, a good listener, and observant to monitor the group during the walk.

Prospective volunteer walk leaders must attend a three-hour training session. The next session in Bridport is on Wednesday, 4th December, in the morning. For more information or to express interest in becoming a volunteer walk leader, please use the contact details below.

To join a walk, simply turn up, or for more information, use the link or contact details below.

More information can be found online. You can also call 01425 480811 or email dorsethealthwalks@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk