Skip to content

Wellbeing Walk Support Volunteer (ED)

Working as part of a small team, this role will complement and support the delivery of our weekly Epsom Downs Walk group.  Support Volunteers (backstops) are allocated on a rota basis and the primary role is to assist the Walk Leader. 

This is an established group which is pleasant and easy going, numbering approximately 8 to 20 walkers each week.  Our route crosses Epsom Race Course and lasts approximately one hour dependant on group pace.  Leaders and support volunteers need to be mindful of group safety and maintenance at all times. This is a relaxed social setting for attendees to interact on their own terms and seek emotional support, if required.  Some attendees join us / leave us part way through so numbers may vary during the walk.  Most of the group go for ‘coffee and social’ at a local Pub afterwards, which is much valued time. 
 
This will be a delightful role for someone seeking a regular volunteering opportunity which combines working with people, exercise and fresh air. Confidence, good people skills, common sense and the ability to get alongside others is something we look for.  Due to the nature of our work, this role would suit someone wanting a more medium to long term involvement.  Some clients may have communication and confidence difficulties due to a number of health-related issues.  

Key Points:

Monthly involvement (on a rota basis)

Thursdays 10:50 to 12:15 approx (11:00am to 12:15pm service)

Option to join group coffee (social time 12:15pm to 13:00pm)

Epsom Downs – Tattenham Corner

Medium to long term involvement (9-12 months plus)

Typically attracts 8-20 attendees

Easy to Medium walk level

What we ask you to do:

Welcome and help attendees feel relaxed and included

Welcome newcomers, involving them in conversation as appropriate

Keep alert to the safety of fellow walkers
(i.e. hazards – traffic, race horses, dogs, , cyclists, joggers etc)

Support and assist the Walk Leader with any difficulty that may arise

Treat all client information as confidential

Respect the need for personal & professional boundaries with clients

Report any safeguarding concerns to staff in a timely manner to ensure clients are able to access the support they need (safeguarding training will be provided)

Please Note:

You do not need to have any previous volunteer experience to volunteer for this role although the ability to get on with people and communicate well with others is key.

Contact:

Matthew Plumridge on 07432 510493 or email: matthew@maryfrancestrust.org.uk, if you are interested in this role.


Time

Thursdays, 10.50am – 12:15pm

Location

Epsom Downs

Megan

Delivery and Strategy Lead: Co-Production and Community Engagement (Leatherhead)

Portrait of Megan, Co-Production Lead, MFT

Megan joined MFT in January 2025 and looks after the development of our strategic priority for MFT to live and breathe co-production. She also facilitates our Advisory Group, and champions those with lived experience of mental health challenges to improve the way mental health support is developed, reviewed, and delivered.

Megan first learnt about co-production as a Lived Experience Advisor with the Independent Mental Health Network based at Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, contributing her own lived experience to mental health projects in Surrey and North East Hampshire after graduating university.

She has since worked on a range of development projects for Surrey’s mental health and wellbeing support, immersing community engagement and lived experience into research and decision-making. Additionally, she is an alumna for The King’s Fund after completing their Advanced Organisational Development Practitioner programme.

To maintain her wellbeing, Megan is an avid reader, journals, and practices Yoga.