Volunteering at Moors Valley
Do you enjoy being active, meeting new people and would like to encourage others to do the same?
We are looking for local people to join our friendly team of volunteers to help lead and back up our weekly activities across East Dorset, including at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest.
We welcome anyone who likes walking, cycling or running (or all 3). No previous skills or experiences are necessary just a keenness to help others get more active.
All the below opportunities are offered by Moors Valley Health and Activity Centre.
Volunteer Health Walk Leaders
A health walk is a weekly volunteer-led activity to help encourage local people to enjoy the fresh air and countryside within a safe environment. All walks are free and most include the opportunity to enjoy a cuppa at the end. Walks take place across the Dorset Council area and vary between 30 minutes and 1 hour depending on the location. The walks form part of the National Ramblers wellbeing walks scheme.
Description of role: To lead or back up groups on ‘Health Walks’ (brisk, regular walks of 10 to 90 minutes) and encourage individuals to do more walking.
Volunteer Health Cycle Leaders
A health cycle is very similar to a health walk, apart from the fact you need a bike! There are currently 3 weekly free rides taking place across East Dorset, including Moors Valley.
Description of role: To lead or back up groups on ‘Health Cycle’ and encourage individuals to do more cycling.
Accessible Cycle Programme
Accessible Cycle Bike Maintenance Support Volunteer: Experienced and trained volunteer to help clean and maintain accessible cycle fleet on a regular basis outside of twice-a-year full service and in line with set procedures.
Volunteer Run Leaders
To help lead Couch to 5K programmes throughout the year.
Description of Role: To lead groups following the NHS Couch to 5K running programme.
Training
A free training course is provided for most volunteering opportunities alongside support and guidance from the Council’s Health & Activity team who are based at Moors Valley Country Park, Golf and Activity Centre.
Commitment
Some volunteers like to help each week, others just once a month. Some volunteers prefer just to back up, others to lead every time, it’s up to you. We’re very lucky to have an enthusiastic and friendly team of volunteers to share the load. Our Health & Activity team regularly meets up with the volunteers to chat about any problems and to plan rotas, oh and to enjoy a cuppa and chat of course!
What to do next…
If you would like further information on our volunteering opportunities or just an informal chat please contact The Health & Activity Team on 01425 480811 or email healthandactivity@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk