Wellbeing Walk Support Volunteer (Walton on Thames)

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.

Working closely with our Walk Leader, this role will complement and support the service delivery of our weekly walk group.  Based alongside the Thames in Walton, this is a relaxed social setting for people to interact on their own terms and seek emotional support if required.  This will be a rewarding role for someone seeking a regular volunteering opportunity. 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

•Weekly or fortnightly involvement

•Thursdays 12:50 to 2:00pm  (1:00pm to 2:00pm service)

•Walton On Thames

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

•Typically attracts 4-8 attendees

•Welcome attendees helping them feel relaxed and included

•Keep a register of attendees (forward register to the volunteer coordinator)

•Give basic pre walk talk about route, weather, walking conditions etc.

•Let attendees know who to chat with if they don’t feel overly well

•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)

•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 

-Reliable, friendly, flexible

-Confident, positive, patient, empathetic, compassionate

-Ability to ask for help (if you don’t understand)

-Ability to work as part of a small team

-Passionate about supporting other people