Walk leaders needed to take East Ren strolls

East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership are on the hunt for new walk leaders!

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 31 August 2015 15:09

The search is on for local walkers who would like to lead walking groups in Giffnock, Eastwood Park, Barrhead, Neilston, Rouken Glen and Auchenback and receive free training in the activity.

The one-day 'walk leader' training follows the success of walking groups started locally in the last two years.

A weekly programme of East Ren walks has been set up in response to demand from the community.

The walks are aimed at older residents to increase awareness of the benefits of being physically active and encourage more people to become more active and stay active through walking.

All the walks are short, safe, social, local and East Ren needs more volunteer leaders to take the strolls. Ongoing support will be given to walk leaders by East Ren CHCP's health improvement team. Everyone who becomes a walk leader will receive:

• Free training on how to lead a healthy walk, with ongoing support
• Free heart start training by a qualified hearth Start tutor
• An opportunity to meet new people and make new friends
• A chance to help others enjoy local walks.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a walk leader is invited to join a walk and find out more about how enjoyable and rewarding the walks are. Walks are setting out every week:

Monday First Steps Giffnock from 10am at Whole Foods for beginners for 20/30 minutes. (There will be no walk on Monday 28 September.)

Tuesday Eastwood Park - First Steps from 9.30am (for beginners for 30 minutes)
Barrhead Foundry- Barrhead Walking Group from 9.45am (for a longer walk at a moderate pace) every week.
St Johns Tea Room - First Steps, Cowan Park from 10am (for beginners for 30 minutes). Free refreshments available at St Johns Tea Room afterwards. There will be no walk on Tuesday 25 August.

Wednesday The Bank, Neilston - Neilston Walkers from 10am (for a longer walk at a moderate pace throughout the Countryside)
The Bank, Neilston - Neilston Walkers from 10.30am (for beginners for 15 minutes – 25 minutes)
Rouken Glen – Rouken Glen Walkers meeting at Pro-Soccer from 10.30am (for beginners and walkers looking for a level easy paced walk along the paths within the Park for 30-40 minutes). There is a 60p charge for this walk
Dams to Darnley Health Walk from 10am. Group meets at World Buffet Car Park. This walk generally takes 2 hours and is led by Dams to Darnley Rangers.

Thursday Auchenback Resource Centre – First Steps from 10.30am (a walk of up to 45minutes for beginners)

The walking groups have been set up by and are supported by East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Paths for All. They aim to facilitate positive change for older people, reduce social isolation, improve health and enable people to become part of their community.

Councillor Alan Lafferty, East Renfrewshire convener for social work and health said: “We are looking for people who can come along and support the walking groups that take place across East Renfrewshire. Walking is simple, relaxing and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. It's ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels who want to be more active. Please get in touch if you’d like to lead one of our walks.”

If anyone wants to find out more about walk leader training, or join a walking group please get in touch with Sine Delahunt on 577 8361 or email Sine.Delahunt@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk