Fancy leading a walk? Suffolk scheme needs volunteers

Why it matters: The health and wellbeing partnership runs around 90 regular walks across Suffolk with The Ramblers, including routes in and around Ipswich, and says it needs more volunteers to help set up and lead new sessions.

The details: Walks vary in pace and length, from gentle strolls to brisker routes, and typically last between 45 and 90 minutes.

• Most walks take place during the week
• Some run every week, others every one or two months
• Locations span the coast, countryside and town parks, from Haverhill to Lowestoft

Volunteer walk leaders are expected to plan and set up new walks in their area, ensuring sessions are safe, inclusive and enjoyable.

What they're saying: Sonny Baldry, Wellbeing Walks Coordinator with Feel Good Suffolk, said: "We'd love to hear from anyone keen to help us set up new walks which people across Suffolk can enjoy.

"We're looking for friendly, reliable and confident volunteers who enjoy being outdoors and want to help others improve their health and wellbeing. Leading a walk is really rewarding and you can help to make a real difference to other people in your community."

Phil, a volunteer for a walk in Shotley, said: "I volunteer to keep my fitness and mobility going. You get a chance to meet new people and make new friends. There is a lot of socialising as we go along."

Gerald, a walk leader for a regular walk in Woolpit, said: "I volunteer because I enjoy walking and I wouldn't do this if it wasn't important. Socialising is definitely part of wellbeing and these are wellbeing walks which encourage that."

The bigger picture: Feel Good Suffolk is a partnership between Suffolk County Council, West Suffolk Council, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Abbeycroft Leisure, working with NHS Suffolk and Norfolk Integrated Care Board. It supports people to manage a healthy weight, stop smoking and become more active.

The bottom line: With demand for the walks continuing to grow, organisers say new volunteer leaders could help bring wellbeing walks to more communities across Suffolk, including in the Ipswich area.

Anyone interested in volunteering can email sonny.baldry@ipswich.gov.uk. More information is available at feelgoodsuffolk.co.uk/wellbeing-walks

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