Walking Volunteer Role Profile – Leader or Assistant
Role title: Walk Leader / Assistant
Location: Bristol
Responsible to: Senior Volunteer Coordinator
About Second Step
Second Step's aim is to deliver recovery and well-being opportunities for people with mental health and other support needs to achieve their hopes and ambitions. Second Step operates in B&NES, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
We have a range of services including supported housing, support available within the community, mentoring, befriending and peer support services and psychological therapies. Volunteering opportunities are available in most of these areas. Second Step has ‘Investing in Volunteers’ quality standard accreditation, with an emphasis on volunteer development and progression.
About this role
Walk for Health Bristol volunteers support walkers on ’Health Walks’ (brisk walks of 10 – 90 minutes) to encourage individuals to do more walking. This is part of the Bristol Active Life Project and the walking group is designed for those who have experience of mental health issues. Volunteers help to lead, deliver and support safe and enjoyable walks. There are two types of walking volunteer roles, as outlined below:
Walk Leader
· Lead on health walks: welcome the group, provide information on walk route and possible risks, understand walk and route risk assessment.
· Help set the pace of the walking group (front leader) OR carry a first aid kit, whistle and mobile phone (back leader).
· Collect registration forms from new walkers and verbal updates from existing walkers; collate health questionnaires and handover to walk officer afterwards.
· Record and report any negative or environmental issues encountered on route, assist walkers over difficult terrain when necessary.
· Record a written register for each walk, inform organisers of any illness or absence.
· Route exploring: investigate and map possible new walk routes, research locations, collate materials and maps, complete and file route planner forms with potential walk details, complete risk assessment and other information for researched routes.
Walk Assistant
· Support walk leader to deliver safe and enjoyable walks: ensure walkers understand walk instructions, observe and communicate with walkers throughout the walk.
· Ensure walkers have completed a registration form.
· Communicate with the walk leader, inform them if you feel anyone is tired or unwell, accompany individuals ‘back to base’ early if necessary.
· Ensure walkers are aware of hazards along the route and cross roads safely.
· Route exploring: investigate and map possible new walk routes, research locations, collate materials and maps, complete and file route planner forms with potential walk details, complete risk assessment and other information for researched routes.
What skills and experience do I need?
· To be non-judgmental and able to respect a person’s right to choose how they live
· Punctual, patient, reliable and flexible to adapt to changing circumstances
· To have good communication and interpersonal skills
· To be able to actively engage and listen to others and be approachable and social
· To be able to empathise and inspire others – give confidence and encouragement
· Have an interest in the local community and believe in the health benefits of walking
· We welcome volunteers with lived experience of relevant issues
What commitment do Second Step need from me?
· A minimum commitment of 12 months to volunteering, and regular weekly commitment of around 3 hours per week to attend the walk (excluding training and support sessions)
· Attend support sessions and training eg walk leader training, first aid, risk assessment
· To maintain confidentiality and adhere to Health and Safety guidelines
· To abide by and put into practice the Equal Opportunities Policy
· You must be free from drug / alcohol misuse and living independently; and have been so for the past six months
Please note: We require all Volunteer to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service Check. We recognise that some people may have offending history and this will not necessarily exclude you from volunteering with Second Step.
What will I get from Volunteering?
· Full induction and training for your role
· Opportunities for personal development, progression and further training
· On-going support and supervision sessions with supervisor
· Out of pocket expenses including travel expenses
· Chance to build your CV, develop new skills and meet new people
What are the next steps?
Application ð Interview ð DBS ðReferences ð Training ð Induction ð Volunteer!
How to Apply
To apply please complete all sections of the application form and return to the address below. If you would like help with your application please contact us on 0117 909 6630.
Volunteer Services
Second Step
9 Brunswick Square
BRISTOL BS2 8PE
Second Step work in partnership with:
Second Step - Walking Volunteer Role Profile Page 1