We are currently seeking people living with arthritis who are interested in becoming walking leaders for training next month.

As a leader, you will be trained in the techniques needed to lead and facilitate these weekly walking groups. Developed in association with the Irish Heart Foundation, our specialised trainging will equip you with the skills that will enable you to teach others how to get the most from their walking sessions, looking at things like posture, warm-up, stretching and clothing.

Please note: Before committing to the training, it is important to remember that the aim of the training course is to have a panel of trained leaders ready to implement their skills in their own communities on a weekly basis. We would therefore ask all participants to commit to leading these walking groups for a minimum of 12 months.

Course Content

• Current recommendations for health enhancing physical activity 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. 
• Planning walking sessions and programmes.
• Developing a Get your Joints in Motion walking route.
• Practical Walking Sessions

About the Role

Leaders will be expected to:

• Establish a walking group for people with arthritis in their local area
• Identify possible walking routes for the group in the locality
• Lead a weekly walking group for people with arthritis taking into account the needs and varying abilities of the group
• Ensure safety guidelines are implemented and adhered to
• Participate in the promotion of the walking group in the local area, in liaison with Arthritis Ireland
• Prepare walkers for participation in the Get your Joints in Motion sponsored walk in the Phoenix Park in May 2012.

Suitable candidates must have:

• Personal experience of living with and self-managing arthritis
• Commitment to the role of exercise in managing arthritis
• Good communication skills including listening skills
• Good team working skills

Previous participation in a Living Well with Arthritis self management course is desirable.

Please contact Arthritis Ireland on 01 661 8188 or email info@arthritisireland.ie if you are interested in becoming a walking leader. The walking leader training will take place on the weekend of May 26th and 27th at NUI Maynooth, Co Kildare.