Just One Small Step: But a Giant Leap for Volunteering

In this podcast Active Devon’s Gareth Dix marks volunteering week by talking with Tim Peters, a keen walker and volunteer in the South Hams.

After participating in the Ivybridge Walk and Talk group for many years, Tim wanted to give something back to the community. He expressed an interest in becoming a volunteer walk leader prior to the first lockdown.

During the third lockdown in November 2020, Tim completed his walk leader training (two 3 hour online sessions) and a practical walk at Decoy Park in December 2020 between lockdowns. He completed his training by shadowing a walk with a qualified leader and then led a walk himself.

Tim has now started a level 1 walk in Ivybridge linked to the local Memory Café, the Community Builder, and the current walking for health scheme in the town. Tim has received great support from Fred and Lorraine who lead the Ivybridge health walks.

The new level 1 walk started in May 2021 and has been going from strength to strength. Walkers have joined and moved between groups depending on their ability. We hope this podcast inspires you to get more involved in volunteering.

For more information on joining a health walk, or becoming a leader, please visit: Walking for Health or contact us here for for the attention of Tom Mack, our programme lead in this area.

Discover More About Walking:

• Walking for Health is England’s Largest Network of Health Walks
• Karen Shares Her Story of Walking More as Therapy
• How Louise Discovered Walking Was a Natural Pain Reliever

Discover More About Volunteering:

• Active for Good: Our Hub for All Things Volunteering in Devon
• The Benefits of Volunteering and How You Can Join Us Going Forward
• We Need You! Join Active Devon as a Digital Volunteer

We passionately believe that being active is important as ever. However, safety is paramount and it is crucial that everyone follows current government guidance when leaving the home to exercise and accessing open spaces. #StayActiveStaySafe.