by Lisa Duffy, Frontline Manager
We have a lot of contacts in the neighbourhood in Chesterfield, which gives opportunities for us all to share some of our gifts, skills and passions.
A new opportunity
Our local community engagement officer, Hayley got in touch when she came back from maternity leave. We invited her to come for a visit so people could meet her and tell her what was important to them.
Rebecca, one of our support workers, and Nathan a person who draws on support, told her how much they loved walking. Nathan said “It’s good to get some fresh air inside your bones” and we told her Nathan is really interested in people and good at helping others.
Hayley told us that she knew of a new project called Walk Derbyshire and asked if we would like to take part. It involves doing some training on being a walk leader and how to manage a group safely. Rebecca volunteered to do the training and Nathan said that he would love to help with the walks.
How can we help?
Rebecca said:
There are five other walks in this area and they are all very long. Our walk is about two miles and it means that people who prefer a short walk can join us. We have been joined by someone who was recovering from an operation and didn’t feel confident walking on her own. People can book on the walk through the website and we have their emergency contact details should we need them during the walk. We were given a bag with information in should there be a problem on the walk and we also have Hi Vis vests to wear.
Nathan tells us:
There’s a person at the front and at the back. I like to be in the middle. I wear a Hi Vis vest so people know that I can help them. It shows people when you are crossing roads and you can stop the traffic so it’s safer to do that for people crossing, look left and right and people can see you. Hayley’s taught us to walk on one side and pass information backward if people need to know something like if there’s something to watch out for. I open the gate for everyone and make sure it’s properly closed.
We’ve got the buzz!
Being part of this walk has caused a new buzz and excitement! We go on regular walks but this feels different. We are all excited to meet new people and help people locally. We have done three so far and met all different people. Everyone has been so friendly and it feels well organised so it’s lovely we have all been happy to be part of it. We also come back to the hub for a cup of tea afterwards
Rebecca
Top tips from Nathan
Nathan says:
If it’s raining or snowing I don’t mind I will go walking in any weather. But in this weather make sure you:
- Take sun cream and a hat
- Drink plenty of water
- Make sure you have got the right shoes on
The next walk is the 26th June. If you are in the area come and join us! Or click here for more information about becoming a walk leader for Derbyshire.
You can read all the news stories and blog posts in our Everyone Everywhere series here.
