NWUK have an exciting opportunity for anyone based in London who wants to train to become a Community Instructor, Full Instructor and or become Exercise Referral qualified.  We have been accepted as providers to a scheme that enable learners to get 75% of the training funded by the Mayors Legacy. The funding is designed to leave a lasting sporting legacy from the Olympics by training people to deliver activities into their community.  All that they ask is that in return the learner volunteers up to 25 hours (in total) of time to a project in one of the Boroughs. This is easily achieved and helps them to practice and develop their skills as Instructors.
We have been delighted with the diverse range of people who have taken the opportunity to get trained and benefit not just them but their local community. So far we have instructors volunteering their time with Age UK, PCT’s and even a dance studio for the elderly who wanted to add something outdoors to their offering! We have also had NWUK instructors who have upskilled to become exercise referral trained so they can let those with more complex health conditions join their walks and enjoy all that Nordic Walking has to offer.

If you would like to be part of the legacy and get trained to help other become more active,  all you need to do is let us know where you would like to deliver your volunteering, if you need some help to do this we have many projects across London who would love to have more Nordic Walking volunteers! We are then able to approach the funders on your behalf. As soon as they have confirmation from a referee who will verify that you are going to work with them they will approve the funding and we can enrol you on a course of your choice. We do all the application for you so that it is as smooth as possible. Contact Kaye at NWUK on 0845 260 9339

Here are three examples of how the funding has helped individuals and projects to spread the word about Nordic Walking:

Example 1
Laura – had trained in Japan to deliver Nordic Walking  but did not have a UK qualification so wanted to upgrade to the NWUK  standard which is a Level 2 qualification and recognised by REPs (Register of Exercise professionals)  She volunteered to help London Instructor Tim Hector who delivers a range of community Nordic Walking programmes in Lewisham and Newham. She works full time but still found time to help others and study the required anatomy and physiology to become a full NWUK Instructor!

Example 2
Cathy from Wembley has never taught fitness or activity but has keen interest in health and wanted to help pass that on to others. She contacted NWUK about training to become an Instructor but was concerned at the cost of taking the full qualification required. The support team at NWUK were able to put her in touch with Harrow PCT who were struggling to expand their successful Nordic Walking programme and needed more leaders. Now Cathy is undergoing training and Harrow have gained a new leader!

Example 3
Laura Simmonds from the PCT is delighted with the help provided by the mayors legacy funding

“In August last year the Health Walk Scheme in Harrow got a new look- with the addition of a Nordic Walking group!  NHS Harrow managed to fund the training three Volunteer Walk Leaders (and myself!) to become Nordic Walking Instructors.  They now volunteer their time to run a weekly ‘Learn to’ session and a weekly ‘Wellbeing’ session. 

Since then the group, which is the first Nordic Walking group in Harrow, has been oversubscribed and we have had to turn some people away.  The Mayors fund has allowed us to train up another two volunteers which means we can offer sessions on different days with varying difficulties.  It has been a great way to reward our Volunteer Walk Leaders with some extra skills and qualifications, and a great way to get Harrow residents more active!’’

Laura Simmonds

Public Health Project Officer & Community Nordic Walking Instructor

NHS Harrow