​A Q&A with a Volunteer Walk Leader

Chris volunteers with Healthy Minds in a number of different roles, and twice a month he’s involved in our Todmorden Wellbeing Walks as a Volunteer Walk Leader. Chris brings his conversation, enthusiasm and support to our Walks come rain or shine! Here Project Worker, Sam, finds out a bit more about why Chris enjoys this volunteer role…
 
Q: So Chris, how long have you been involved in the walks at Healthy Minds?
A: It’s about two years, but for some of that time we weren’t able to run them because of the pandemic so it’s probably more like one and a half years!
 
Q: What’s your favourite thing about the walks?
A: I enjoy meeting new people, exploring the scenic routes and it helps me get out into the open.
 
Q: What do you think the benefits of walking are?
A: It’s a reason to get out and meet people, if you live on your own like me you might not have been out for a long time. It gives you confidence – it did for me. I found it liberating and once I had done one walk I felt I could go out more. It’s exercise both mentally and physically.
 
Q: Do you have any words of encouragement for someone who might be interested in joining a Healthy Minds walk but might feel a little apprehensive about trying it out?
A: If you can’t walk a long distance, that’s not a problem, and if you need a rest we can have a break. You don’t have to talk on the walks if you don’t want to either. Everyone is different and I always reassure people it will be okay – you’ll be safe with us.