Here are some of the pointers we have learned for running a fun and successful Walk and Talk and really helping your local community.
1. Find a nice green space – with an obvious starting point
You’ll be Walking and Talking there every week, so try and ensure you choose somewhere attractive and large enough to keep walks interesting. It should be accessible by a short walk or ideally public transport and the terrain should not be challenging. Make your start point central and easy to spot – we find that near cafés, entrances or car-parks are good.
2. Be visible
Shout about what you’re doing! Advertise your Walk and Talk on posters or big banners, postcards and flyers, and on social media and the internet.
Don’t assume that people all receive information in the same way; although many are online, others still find out what’s happening the ‘old-fashioned’ ways, such as on notice boards or in shop windows, a postcard through their door or in local newspapers or newsletters.
3. By the community, for the community
Emphasise from the very start that your Walk and Talks need the support of the community to thrive. Ask your fellow Walkers and Talkers if they’re willing to volunteer sometimes. In our experience, this results in groups becoming more sustainable – and less likely to view you as ‘the one in charge’ (and so always available!)
4. Be consistent
The most common reason for initiatives to fail is because the organisers keep changing days or times or they don’t happen at all. The most important thing you can do is to make sure you, or fellow volunteers, turn up every week, in the same place, at the same time. It’s also really helpful if social media updates stay consistent too, even if you only post once a week, so people know your Walk and Talks are still happening.
5. Link up with other organisations…
Walk and Talks are brilliant but we realise that some people could benefit from other local activities and organisations. We often hear from Walkers and Talkers that they don’t know what else is happening in their area, perhaps because not everyone uses the internet.
Contact other organisations, find out what they do and whether they have flyers you could give out at Walk and Talks (and if they could advertise your Walk and Talks to their members). You could also ask if you can visit them if they’re nearby.
We’ve seen Walk and Talks visit churches, bowling clubs, community gardens and even football stadiums!
6. Manage expectations
Don’t feel you have to organise visits, speakers or activities every single week. You’ll put too much pressure on yourself and quickly run out of ideas. In our experience, people come along to Walk and to Talk and they enjoy that most of all. Although we provide some ideas about places to visit and things to do, feel free to keep it simple and just lead a weekly walk around a local green space if that’s what you want to do.
7. Make it easy for your volunteers
The easier you make it for your volunteers, the better. Online rotas can work really well, as people can see what gaps there are and sign themselves up. Using a shared Google Calendar or putting a rota on a shared Google Drive is easy to do, or there are free Apps such as SignUp.
A WhatsApp group for your volunteers is also a useful way to communicate – highlighting gaps in the rota, last-minute swaps or sharing photos. Make sure that everyone is happy to be added and knows to keep it professional and Walk and Talk -related and not to share details such as telephone numbers with anyone outside the group.
Remember too that not everyone is confident with technology. Take along a paper copy of the rota and a pen to each Walk and Talk to see if anyone wants to sign up that way!
8. Get to know your group
All groups are different. We’ve found that some groups love to get stuck in with activities like litter picks or bulb planting – other groups don’t want to at all! Some groups like to finish the Walk and Talk with a cup of tea, whilst others just want to head home. As your group forms and you get to know the core participants, ask them what they’d like to do or if they have any ideas.
You’ll often find there’s an expert in your midst who could help you plan a really interesting future Walk and Talk.
9. Look after yourself
Organising activities for other people can be stressful occasionally. Sometimes people might complain or moan if something doesn’t go to plan (or even if it does!) Take real complaints seriously, try to learn from what goes wrong but don’t take anything to heart.
Remember that you’re doing an amazing thing – and that for some people who Walk and Talk with you this might well be the highlight of their week.
10. Most of all – enjoy it!
Your Walk and Talk will create a fantastic impact – making people so much happier and healthier. Your community will enjoy lovely green spaces, fresh air and nature, whilst reducing isolation and improving their health. Be proud and enjoy yourself!
