Community Walking Leader Training Level 1
Course Information 2015
Walking Leader Training is primarily aimed at people wishing to lead a walking group or promote walking in the community or workplace. The course comprises of a weekend of training, a follow up 4 week walking programme to try out your new walking leader’s skills.
Irish Heart Foundation, the Irish Sports Council and the HSE are subsidising the Walking Leader Training weekend and there is a nominal cost of €50. The course fee will cover your tutor costs and materials. It will also include 2 lunches and tea/coffee breaks throughout the weekend.
***Please Note: Before committing to the training, it is important to remember that the aim of each course is to have a panel of trained leaders ready to implement their skills in their own communities. We will therefore expect all participants to organise walks on a regular basis after the course has ended. ***
The training weekend
The course will commence at 9.00am on Saturday and finish at 2pm Sunday.
Course content:
Current physical activity guidelines for adults and how they relate to walking
The main elements of a health-enhancing walking session
Prescribing walking programmes suitable for people of different fitness levels
Advice on issues such as posture, technique, stretching, intensity, clothing, etc.
Safety issues and risk assessment
Planning walking sessions and programmes
How to start your own walking group
Practical Walking Sessions
Gear
The training weekend involves outdoor practical sessions on both the Saturday and Sunday, please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. A spare change of clothes/shoes is recommended.
4 week leader challenge
Once participants complete the Community Walking Leader Training Course they will be set a challenge of leading a 4 week walking programme within their community to put their training to work. You will be provided with a logbook to record your progress for the challenge. Once we receive your completed logbook you will be certified as an Irish Heart Foundation community walking leader.
Follow up meeting
As a follow up to the training, you may be asked to meet with the Local Sports Partnership representative responsible for walking in your county. This will be a chance to meet up with your fellow leaders and to share your experiences and ideas on promoting walking in your community. The Local Sports Partnership, in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation and HSE Health Promotion, will provide support and advice to you as a trained community walking leader.
All courses are subject to demand and will only proceed if the minimum participant number is reached.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing tcurran@irishheart.ie or calling Tara Curran at 01-668 5001.
