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Volunteer walk leaders being sought in Bridport

VOLUNTEERS are being urged to come forward to take part in a scheme helping keep people healthy in Bridport.

The Bridport Health Walk volunteer team is hoping to recruit more people to help lead the popular walks around the town.

With more leaders, the group said it could increase the frequency of walks to twice a week.

Around 20 people take part in the free walks, which run on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, exploring parks, rivers, woods, and green spaces, as well as town streets.

They set off each 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.

“Volunteers commit to leading walks a few months in advance, ideally leading at least three walks per month,” a spokesperson said. “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.”

And Cllr Ryan Hope, 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.”

Prospective volunteer walk leaders must attend a three-hour training session, the next of which is being held in Bridport on the morning of Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, or to express an interest in becoming a volunteer walk leader, call 01425 480811, or email dorsethealthwalks@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

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I am the editor in chief of Blackmore Vale media, which includes the New Blackmore Vale, New Stour & Avon, Salisbury & Avon Gazette and the Purbeck Gazette, having been a reporter for some 20 years. In my spare time, I am a festival lover, with a particular focus on Glastonbury. I live in Somerset with my wife and two children.