Published on 8th October 2012

people walking

Walk Well, Cheltenham’s award winning health walks programme, is looking for new volunteers to join the team and help to keep the scheme running.

Walk Well was established in 2008 and offers eight walks a week, with at least one walk taking place every day across the town. The scheme is led by a team of trained volunteers who lead and support the activity.

A variety of people join the walks with varying capabilities and health; sometimes they have been referred by medical or health agencies. Most people usually find the walks help build their confidence and stamina.

Rowena Tassell, healthy lifestyles development officer, says: “We are always looking for people to join us. It may be to lead new walks, lead walks on our existing programme or just to back-mark - we don’t mind what people would like to do, but the more people we can train and involve the better.

“If you think you would like to get involved please do get in touch.”

Cllr Rowena Hay, cabinet member for sport and culture, continues: “We have been able to help hundreds of people since the scheme began. The support that our volunteers provide is vital and without them we would not be able to keep the programme going which would be a real shame.”

A days training is required which explains the basics of walking for health and leading a walking group. Once trained, new leaders will be buddied up with an existing leader to help mentor them and make sure they are happy and confident in their role.

Sue, a long standing walk leader explains why she got involved. Sue says: “I had recently discovered a love for walking and had started to benefit from the change in my activity levels. People are very friendly, and the leaders are sensitive and understanding. It’s lovely to see people starting to enjoy walking and one another’s company, and become fitter at the same.”

To get involved in the health walks programme, either as a leader, or a walker, please contact Rowena Tassell, healthy lifestyles development officer, on 01242 775202 or visit the council’s website and look under the healthy living pages.


For press enquiries contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154, email kelly.carter@cheltenham.gov.uk