Walking is a great way to get fitter, relax and lift your mood and, following Volunteers' Week when the nation was reminded of how amazing people are who give up their free time to help others, Kent County Council (KCC) is supporting calls for walk leaders in both East and West Kent to guide small walking groups.
As well as being friendly and, ideally, local, volunteer walk leaders have a few hours spare to help people of all ages and fitness levels to get moving and make new friends.
Free Walk and Talks in East Kent are run by the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) service One You Kent, while in West Kent Wellbeing Walks are managed by the District and Borough councils.
If you would like to join Kent’s amazing group of walk leader volunteers, for East Kent walks email kentchft.walkandtalk@nhs.net or call 07539 243412.
To volunteer to lead walks in Tonbridge and Malling, contact Claire Potter, Health Improvement Team Leader at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council on Healthy.living@tmbc.gov.uk, or 01732 876347.
Potential volunteers for Sevenoaks walks can register your interest by emailing Jolanda Gjoni, Health Team Leader, at healthy.living@sevenoaks.gov.uk or calling 01732 227 121.
For all other walks in West Kent, volunteer leaders can contact:
- Gravesend – ravinder.marwaha@gravesham.gov.uk
- Tunbridge Wells – health@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
- Maidstone – shafiqullahhemat@maidstone.gov.uk, and for
- Dartford – see dartford.gov.uk
“On a personal level, volunteering has helped me form new connections. It also gives me a sense of giving back to others within my community”
Andrea Olver, One You Walk and Talk Co-ordinator for Kent Community Health NHS Trust, who also volunteers as a Health Walk Leader, said: “I have seen first-hand how much our walkers get from meeting up every week, interacting, smiling, laughing and sharing their stories.
“Regular walking can reduce your risk of getting heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, as well as helping you manage your weight and improve your mood and sleep. I often hear people say how much they enjoy the walks, how they are feeling better and seeing improvements in both their physical and mental health.
“On a personal level, volunteering has helped me form new connections. It also gives me a sense of giving back to others within my community. The pandemic really changed things for me and I now work from home, so being able to get out and meet new people every week has helped me feel more connected.
“Our walks are free, fun and friendly so join us! Simply visit our one you walk and talk page on the kentcht website, or email kentcht.walkandtalk@nhs.net for more information.”
Claire Potter, Health Improvement Team Leader, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: “Walk leader volunteers are invaluable. As well as helping people feel welcome and part of the group, they also provide support and encouragement – for both walking and conversation.
Tonbridge and Malling Walk Leader Alex loves sharing his enjoyment of walking with others
“A lot of our walkers come on their own so it is an opportunity for people to meet others. The fresh air and lovely countryside in Tonbridge and Malling is an added bonus.”
Tonbridge and Malling Walk Leader Alex has been guiding Wellbeing Walks for over a decade.
Alex said: “I enjoy walking and try to encourage my walkers to enjoy it too. I vary the walks and do fast and slow walks to suit all abilities. We are a mixed group of men and women, and all ages, and there is lots of friendly banter between us. We are all over 60 in the fast group, one being 83, so YES you can do it!”
Find out more about walking your way to better health and wellbeing here: Get moving - Kent County Council
See what wellbeing walks are all about by watching these short videos on Vimeo
