Who, Where & Why...
Jim is one of our Volunteer Wellness Walk Leaders.
Jim is a fully qualified Mountain Leader & like all of the team he also has qualifications in First Aid for Mental Health, Outdoor First Aid and Safeguarding.
Jim is based in Highland Perthsire.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a Wellness Walk Leader
I am most comfortable outside, I naturally relate to the understanding that nature soothes the soul. So when I heard what Wellness Walks were about I felt that I could do a little pay forward here.
And… if I get to meet new people and I get as much out of the walk as I hope the people who walk with me get then its a win:win!
How did you hear about Wellness Walks?
It was pure chance, the other half saw it on Facebook and suggested to me that I would like to get involved, but I think she just wanted me out the house more.
What were your expectations before training started? How did you feel?
I have been a Mountain Leader for some time, mainly involved with DofE groups, so the walking part of the training was welcome revision.
The introduction to Mental Health was really the part I was looking forward to and I wanted to see how I could incorporate it into other areas of my outdoor interests. I really did not know what to expect even though I knew the power of getting out there.
What was the most challenging part of gaining your qualifications?
I think I am at that stage in my life where I am comfortable with challenge. I’m happy to put myself in uncomfortable situations but the training team was always on hand to put everyone at ease.
I know my challenge will be getting the message out there, due to my lack of social media skill.
What's been the personal inpact of becoming a Wellness Walk Leader?
I am a Newbie when it comes to the Wellness Walks team and I’ve only led the one walk so far, but the people I have met through the process have been great, they’ve even laughed once or twice at my sense of humour though I think that says more about them!
But just getting out there, people watching as the dynamic of the group changes, the conversations go in different directions and things are shared that people usually don’t have the time to share is amazing to see.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your walks?
Actually my most memorable Wellness Walks moment so far has to be from during our First Aid training next to the river….
…it proved you should never judge a book from it’s cover; When asked to perform during one of the training scenarios one my group of volunteers put on a show that will go far into the future and when it gets there, it will go some more!
How has this role impacted your own mental health, confidence, or skills?
It’s made me think about the importance of looking after my own mental health – I really enjoy getting out with groups whether it is young or not so young, it really does not matter, everyone should experience a breath of fresh air and that gives me a real joy.
Sometimes I need to be in my own company in the mountains, but I have discovered the joy of sharing that experience with others, so let’s get the message out there.
Final Thoughts
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering volunteering with Wellness Walks, what would it be?
What have you to lose? You can make the walks your own, to fit what you are comfortable with and there are usually good people around that will help and support you
Where do you think your own journey with Wellness Walks will go?
I would like to help take this into a network of communities supporting each other, the more we connect with something the more we will take care of it and nature needs all the care it can get.
How would you describe your experience with Wellness Walks in three words?
Mindfulness. Enjoyment. Support.