Autumn call for Park Active volunteers
Dudley Council is looking for new volunteers to join the popular Park Active initiative this autumn.
Park Active is a programme of weekly volunteer-led exercise sessions, which are delivered in five parks across Dudley borough. It’s a great way to meet people, make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors.
Absolutely no experience is needed and volunteers don’t need a background in health and fitness to take part, just a love of the outdoors and keeping themselves active. The council provides full training in how to deliver simple, outdoor fitness sessions which are easy to deliver and easy to follow.
New volunteers are being invited to join the team, with training taking place on Saturday 4 and 11 October.
The activities are aimed at people of all ages and abilities but are especially popular with people who may not already be engaging in sport and activity. It is believed to be the only volunteer-led programme of its kind in the country.
Anyone interested in volunteering should attend at least one Park Active session in one of the participating parks to see if it’s for them and submit an application form by 5 September if they want to apply. Places are limited.
Sessions are delivered in Stevens Park in Quarry Bank, Buffery Park in Kates Hill, Abbey Street Park in Gornal, Stevens Park in Wollescote and Grange Park in Dudley.
Councillor Andrea Goddard, cabinet member for public health, said:
“Park Active gives people the chance to participate in free community-led exercise sessions led by people like them. There’s no pressure, just a great sense of support and motivation from the volunteers and the groups themselves which are so welcoming.
“Dudley Council co-ordinates the scheme, but it is the incredible volunteers who drive the programme forward and make the weekly sessions happen.
“Since the programme launched in 2019, there have been more than 6,180 attendances and 50 volunteers have been trained.
“As the programme continues to grow, we naturally want to find and train more volunteers, and I would encourage anyone who wants to learn new skills and meet new people to come along and give it a try.”
Malcolm Charles, Park Active volunteer, added:
“Becoming a Park Active Volunteer has given me the chance to support people to meet their fitness goals, giving me an incredible sense of wellbeing, mindfulness and personal satisfaction.
“Park Active meant I could start my journey with great support and training and my increased confidence has inspired me to set new professional fitness goals and gain qualifications.”
People can learn more about Park Active, including how to participate and how to volunteer at www.healthydudley.co.uk/park-active, alternatively people can get in touch by emailing healthy.places@dudley.gov.uk