Making going for a walk a reality
What is Move Mates?
Move Mates is a walking buddy project which makes getting out for a walk a reality for people who would otherwise find it difficult to leave their homes. Our volunteers give people the confidence and moral support to leave their homes and go for a walk, improving their physical health, reducing isolation and ultimately making people feel happier!
We pair people with one of our trained, friendly, local volunteers to meet regularly for a walk. These regular walks boost people’s confidence, reduce anxiety and improve physical and mental health outcomes.
Move Mates helps adults of all ages by providing motivation and company, enabling people to become more active and less isolated.
Our wonderful volunteer Move Mates support people to get out for a walk – for any purpose – when they would usually struggle to do so on their own.
Download our Move Mates leaflet to find out more
Why Would Someone Need a Move Mate?
Social or general anxiety.
Lack of confidence.
Mental health conditions.
Sensory impairments.
Loneliness and social isolation.
Fear of falling.
How Does it Work?
When someone registers with this, we find out a little more about them and then pair up one of our volunteers for a one-off walk or for a regular, weekly walk. We ask people what they want to achieve through walking and review this with them every three months to decide together if ongoing support is required.
The volunteer meets the person at their front door and accompanies them for a walk. It could be a walk to the local shop or to pick up a prescription, or it could be a walk to an activity or event they want to attend. It could be as simple as walk around the block just to get moving, build confidence and have a chat.
Moves Mates lifts people in so many ways, primarily: Boosting mental wellbeing, improving physical health and decreasing loneliness.
I Want to Request
a Move Mate
If you’re interested in having a Move Mate, please request an information pack using the button below. The information pack provides more detail about eligibility and how to contact your local project.
You can also use the button to request an information pack on behalf of someone else. In this case, you must have their express consent to share their details.
What Happens Next?
We’ll send out a pack either by post or email. This includes information about the project, who is eligible, what to expect, how we use personal data and the commitment we expect from you.
Once you’ve had a chance to look at the information, if you want to go ahead and request a Move Mate, you can contact your local project to register.
We’ll look for a suitable volunteer for you, based on your location, availability and preferences.
I Want to Volunteer
as a Move Mate
We are actively recruiting volunteers for our fantastic Move Mates projects in York, Durham and Leeds.
Are you compassionate, a good communicator and empathetic to people from all walks of life? Do you enjoy a good chat in the fresh air? This could be for you!
We ask volunteers to give an hour or two a week to walk and talk with someone.
What Happens Next?
To complete the volunteer application process:
In the application form you’ll be required to provide your contact details and details of a character reference.
After you complete the form, look out for an email from us. You will be asked to undertake some online training and we will book an ID check with you.
We’ll pair you up with one of our beneficiaries based on your availability and preferences.
" My Move Mate gives me the confidence to go further. We share stories and I am now able to walk to local shops. I am more comfortable getting around the house too."
Help us to improve
people’s wellbeing
through movement.
Volunteer Story
Chris joined Move Mates as a volunteer in 2020 when he was furloughed from his job. He initially volunteered to deliver prescriptions as part of our Covid-19 response and then went on to become a Move Mate for a local woman that lived not far from him.
Being furloughed saw him have much more spare time than he was used to, so when he saw a request for Walk Leader training for the then new Acomb Ambles walking project, he jumped at the chance.
Chris has always worked with young people in the community and loves being involved in community projects and meeting people. So now, following his training, he leads a leisurely walk through Acomb on a monthly basis.
"I really like what Move the Masses do. I think it's a great philosophy and a great set up"
“I notice the difference – I feel happier and my legs are stronger.
It’s great, I’m really pleased.”
Donate
Every donation we receive makes a massive difference to the people we support.
Please give and help us to keep people moving.
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“She is such a lovely person and makes me feel at ease. If I am walking slower, she just gives encouragement. I have no confidence to go out on my own, and it is so nice to be able to walk with someone if something goes wrong.”