Walk with Me – keep me active

Walk with Me is a project that encourages and motivates older people (60+ years) who have become physically inactive due to age related physical and mental health issues.

The project relies on volunteers and is looking for more people to help across Bedfordshire. It is part of Active Bedfordshire, funded by Age Concern, and is managed by Bedfordshire Community Health Services.

Volunteers are paired up with an older person and they encourage the older person to walk and regularly accompany them on short walks. The length and time of the walk depends on each individual older person and generally ranges from 10 to 45 minutes.

People can become physically inactive for many reasons. They may feel that they can’t walk far enough or are too shy or self-conscious to join a walking group, they may be worried about getting lost, falling or being attacked. This can lead to the person losing their independence, having less social contact and suffering increased isolation – all of which can often be prevented by regular walking.

“Many older people who have taken part in the project say they their health has improved and they feel more confident and happy. One lady became so confident she’s now joined a line dancing group. Volunteers who help can see the benefits it brings for themselves,” says Lucy Crayk, Volunteer Officer at the Volunteer Centre Central Beds.

Optional walk leader training and basic first aid is provided for volunteers but is not compulsory.

To find out more about this or the hundreds of other volunteering opportunities, contact Lucy, Rebecca or Janet at The Volunteer Centre, telephone 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-centralbeds.org.uk