Who, Where & Why...
Nick is one of our Volunteer Wellness Walk Leaders.
Nick is a fully qualified Lowland Leader & like all of the team he also has qualifications in First Aid for Mental Health, Outdoor First Aid and Safeguarding.
Nick is based in Lancashire.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a Wellness Walk Leader
I had retired from nursing; hill walking had always been a big part of my life to relax and recharge my batteries. But my regular walking partner had emigrated a couple of years before, so It was only me and my dog Sheba going out.
I had already gained a silver navigation award years before and thought it would be a good idea if I could take people out into the country to see the natural beauty of our countryside and also give them time to relax. So when I saw the (recruitment) advertisement online to become a walk leader through Wellness Walks, which enable you to take people out in a safe way, I volunteered.
What were your expectations before training started? How did you feel?
I was feeling nervous at first, meeting new people, thoughts going through your mind would I be good enough, would I make a fool of myself etc, but this was far from the truth – the people I met were wonderful, very supportive and we helped each other.
Which part of the qualification process did you enjoy the most & why?
All of it actually.
The training days had a very good instructor – very helpful, supportive and informative.
Also the log days (for experience) which got me out and not just staying in watching tv.
And, believe it or not…. the final assessment even though I was nervous it was a great couple of days with a happy pass at the end!
What's been the personal inpact of becoming a Wellness Walk Leader?
It has given me more confidence in meeting new people and it has allowed me to get out more often into the countryside.
Also I’m always learning new things, for example weather pattens, different plants and birds and a new way of looking at things.
I get to meet new people and have a chat with them. I can share some of my experiences with people – for example how to clean their walking gear and boots, tips on finding cheaper walking gear etc
I also enjoy just being outdoors!
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your walks?
I was on a walk from Rivington to Wilkinson Bullough. We had got to lead mines clough and were walking down to the bottom of this slight hill. It was quite muddy in places so I was saying “be careful as it could be slippy here”…. there was was a wooden plank which I used to try and avoid the mud, but it was very muddy as well, and just as I was going to warn them to take care of where they walked, both of my feet slipped from under me and straight onto my rucksack.
No injuries just a bruised ego and me telling them that is the way we don’t do it.
How has this role impacted your own mental health, confidence, or skills?
It has had a massive impact on my mental health – I’ve gone from staying at home a lot & losing my confidence in doing things to now being able to get out more and try to motivate others.
It has also increased my walking skills a great deal.
Final Thoughts
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering volunteering with Wellness Walks, what would it be?
Just do it, it is well worth your time as you will get more out of it than you put into it.
Getting out from your comfort zone is not for everyone but you never know you might enjoy yourself and want to take it further.
Where do you think your own journey with Wellness Walks will go?
I am already am training for my next (higher) qualification – the Hill and Moorland Leader.
I would also like to become a mentor.
How would you describe your experience with Wellness Walks in three words?
Enjoyable. Learning. Sociable.