Who, Where & Why...
Emma is one of our Volunteer Wellness Walk Leaders.
Emma is a qualified Mountain Leader & like all of the team she also has qualifications in First Aid for Mental Health, Outdoor First Aid and Safeguarding.
Emma is based in Hertfordshire.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a Wellness Walk Leader
I love walking and work as an Mountain Leader, although I live hours from the mountains. So I was keen to find some ways to use my skills more locally, giving back to my local area. Wellness Walks appealed to me because I also work as a resilience coach and often use the outdoors as a catalyst to help people open up. I already had some Mental Health training, although Kelvyn’s brilliant course helped me hone those skills for situations where you might only meet someone once.
What were your expectations before training started? Did already having some qualifications help?
I was already an Mountain Leader and already had some Mental Health First Aid training so was looking to see what further soft skills I could develop.
I guess my main aim was to learn what are the main signals to look out for when someone is in distress, so the proactive approach of Wellness Walks training appealed.
Which part of the qualification process did you enjoy the most & why?
I loved the fact that the training was held in Coniston. Visiting the lakes and being in such a natural environment allowed me to relax and focus on the content.
What's been the personal inpact of becoming a Wellness Walk Leader?
Being able to run walks around my own schedule has been great, allowing me to arrange them at times that suit me rather than having to make compromises. This has allowed me to turn up to them fully because I can often schedule them on a free day without my mind being on other things.
What do you enjoy most about leading Wellness Walks?
I enjoy meeting new people, I also really enjoy helping people so it’s really good to watch someone unfold during the course of a walk where they can forget about their struggles for a short time and connect with their surrounding knowing they are safe.
I’ve also had a fair few participants who are scared to walk in new places, mainly due to fear of getting lost, so it’s been great to introduce participants to walks close to their homes they can replicate with their friends and families.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your Wellness Walks?
Towards the end of summer I led a walk where a granny had brought her granddaughter who struggled with her mental health. At the start she was very hesitant, only really connecting with her dog she’d brought along. By the end she was leading the way. She told me at the end that she would usually still be in bed at that time on a Sunday. But that she was really glad she’d already achieved something before she normally wakes up.
That’s why I love doing these walks, helping people who often struggle to help themselves and need that extra bit of support.
How has this role impacted your own mental health, confidence, or skills?
Every time I do a walk it makes me feel good, you always feel good helping others.
Participants have been very grateful, and often suggest going to get a coffee because they don’t want the experience to end!
Final Thoughts
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering volunteering with Wellness Walks, what would it be?
Do it, it’s so flexible and a really great setup. With the training and support Wellness Walks provide you know everything is in place for you to just walk and relax.
Where do you think your own journey with Wellness Walks will go?
Perhaps helping new volunteers gain further skills?
Personally I’d love to gain some swimming qualifications that would allow me to do swim/ walk events around lakes and rivers.
How would you describe your experience with Wellness Walks in three words?
Supported. Professional. Excellent.