Uttoxeter Nordic walking group makes urgent plea for new local volunteers

A Uttoxeter Nordic walking group which supports local people with Parkinson’s communities to live well is now looking for two new volunteers to join the team; a Nordic Walking Instructor and a Walk Leader.

To support the new roles, fully funded accredited training will be provided by the Uttoxeter Parkinson's Support Group, using grant funding from Parkinson’s UK to support the successful candidates.

When: bi-weekly on Mondays from 1.30pm (contact the event organiser for dates)

Where: Uttoxeter Leisure Centre, Oldfields Road, Uttoxeter, ST14 7QL

Cost: £3 per person

Delivered by an experienced accredited Nordic walking instructor and supported by funding from Parkinson’s UK, the Nordic walking sessions continue to grow in popularity with local residents living with Parkinson’s, and the group is now looking for extra volunteers to support the group in the future.

All walks are located at venues with accessible parking and toilets, and every walk can be tailored to the needs of the individual, with all ages and abilities welcome to join in. No previous volunteering experience or Nordic walking experience is needed to volunteer with the new group and training can be provided.

Participants are recommended to wear warm and comfortable outdoor clothing, and footwear that is suitable for outdoor walking. It is also recommended to bring a bottle of water and a snack for the walk.

How Nordic walking can help people to live well with Parkinson’s

Nordic walking is shown to have many benefits for people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. These can include:

• reduced stiffness
• better/increased mobility
• better bone health and flexibility
• better mood and feeling of wellbeing
• more energy and improved sleep
• reduced stress and anxiety
• better balance and coordination
• increased muscle strength and joint health
• improved cardiovascular health

“I am delighted to see the growth of the new Nordic walking classes for local people living with Parkinson's. Nordic walking can be really beneficial for a person's physical and mental wellbeing, plus it's a great way to improve social interaction for local communities and I'm really grateful to Parkinson's UK for helping me to deliver these new sessions. I would definitely recommend giving the new sessions a go as no previous experience is required and everyone is welcome to give Nordic walking a try. I hope that I can make a big difference to people living locally with Parkinson's."

— Barbara Mawbey, Accredited British Nordic Walking Instructor

To register your interest in becoming a Nordic walking volunteer, contact nuttingsue@gmail.com

For more information about participating in the Nordic walking classes, contact Barbara Mawbey on 07732 115 411.