1. Step out Sheffield

2. Step out Sheffield
One of 400+ schemes in the national Walking for Health programme.
Walking for Health is administered by the Ramblers
Funded by Macmillan Cancer support
WfH hosts the national database:
Trains the cascade trainers
Supports the scheme coordinators
Provides insurance cover
Rewards good practice with
accreditation

3. Step out Sheffield
The ‘new’ name for Sheffield’s Walking for Health scheme
Health walks began in Sheffield in
By 2008 we had two salaried coordinators, 30 walks and 25,000 walker attendances per year.
In 2012 the funding for one coordinator was lost.
In March 2016 the funding for the other one was lost

4. Step out Sheffield
Since March 2016 health walks in Sheffield have been completely volunteer led
The biggest volunteer-led WfH scheme in the country
133 active volunteer walk leaders
Approximately 600 walkers each week
24 walks across the city

5. Step out Sheffield
The transition from managed to self-managed took approximately six months
Continuity of walks maintained
Training of new VWLs kept-up
Number of walks fell by 4 to 24
BUT
The number of walkers has increased by 10%
How have we managed to increase numbers?
Web site
Bigger profile – now attending health promotion events
Pooling of volunteer skills and team-work

6. Step out Sheffield What’s a health walk?
Starting where the walker is at and building up over the weeks
May be only 10 minutes
Generally 15 minutes to 1 hour
Can be up to 90 mins
At a pace that is comfortable but increasing heart rate
With a leader and back-marker

7. Step out Sheffield What’s a health walk?
All new walkers must be registered and provide details about their health conditions
VWLs are not support workers. Walkers needing support are welcome but must be accompanied (at least initially)
Most sites provide a ‘short’ alternative for frail or elderly walkers
Wheelchairs and buggies are welcome on some walks
Well behaved dogs (on leashes) are welcome
Most walks end with a cuppa and a chance to socialise
The VWLs on some walks arrange outings for their walkers

8.
Website linked to national WfH website
Each of the 24 walks has its own web page with a description of their walk and some pictures
Our weekly walks programme can be easily downloaded
There is a helpline number as well as an on-line messaging service
Step out Sheffield’s health walks are accredited.
This achievement means health professionals can refer their patients with confidence