Wellbeing Walk Support Volunteer (Epsom Downs)

Mary Frances Trust is a Surrey-based charity supporting people with mental health and emotional wellbeing. We offer a variety of services to adults (16+) including wellbeing courses and advice, a range of activities and interest groups, peer support, self-help groups, individual support and volunteering opportunities. We engage volunteers from a variety of backgrounds to help us by assisting the staff team to deliver our work to clients that seek our support, across Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Banstead and Elmbridge.

How you can help

Working as part of a small team, this role will complement and support the delivery of our weekly Epsom Downs Walk group.  Support Volunteers (backstops) are allocated on a rota basis and the primary role is to assist the Walk Leader.  This is an established group which is pleasant and easy going, numbering approximately 8 to 20 walkers each week.  Our route crosses Epsom Race Course and lasts approximately one hour dependant on group pace.  Leaders and support volunteers need to be mindful of group safety and maintenance at all times. This is a relaxed social setting for attendees to interact on their own terms and seek emotional support, if required.  Some attendees join us / leave us part way through so numbers may vary during the walk.  Most of the group go for ‘coffee and social’ at the Beefeater Pub afterwards, which is much valued time.  This will be a delightful role for someone seeking a regular volunteering opportunity which combines working with people, exercise and fresh air. Confidence, good people skills, common sense and the ability to get alongside others is something we look for.  Due to the nature of our work, this role would suit someone wanting a more medium to long term involvement.  Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.  

Key Points

•Monthly involvement (on a rota basis)

•Thursdays 10:45 to 12:15pm  (11:00pm to 12:15pm walk time)

•Option to join group coffee (social time 12:15pm to 13:00pm) 

•Epsom Downs – Tattenham Corner

•Medium to long term involvement (9-12 months plus)

•Typically attracts 8-20 attendees

•Easy to Medium walk level

What we ask of you

•Welcome attendees helping them feel relaxed and included

•Welcome newcomers, involving them in conversation as appropriate

•Keep alert to the safety of fellow walkers 

(i.e. hazards - traffic, race horses, dogs, , cyclists, joggers etc)

•Be available to support attendees if they don’t feel overly well

•In conjunction with the Walk Leader, manage any difficulty that may arise

•Treat all client information as confidential

•Respect the need for personal & professional boundaries with clients

•Report any safeguarding concerns to staff in a timely manner to ensure clients are able to access the support they need (safeguarding training will be provided)

Benefits you will receive

•Being part of a friendly, caring and supportive service

•Regular involvement in your community

•Making a difference to the lives of other people

•Gain practical experience of working alongside people with mental health 

•Training relevant to the role (walk leader training provided)

•Reimbursement of travel expenses

What skills do I need?

Qualities that make a successful Wellbeing Walk Support Volunteer

•Good interpersonal skills 

•Punctual, reliable, friendly, flexible

•Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

•Ability to ask for help (if needed – see Volunteer coordinator)

•Ability to work as part of a small team

•Passionate about supporting other people