A leading charity in Scotland is looking for experienced trainers to support the ‘growing need’ for walking, strength and balance sessions among older adults.

Paths for All is seeking experienced freelance trainers to deliver training sessions to Health Walk leaders and staff supporting adults in health and social care settings to promote walking with strength and balance.

This comes as part of the charity’s work to support the UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines by encouraging older adults to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines and establish a healthier and more active population through inclusive and sustainable approaches.

The call for trainers follows researchers from the University of Edinburgh and the World Health Organisation finding nearly one-third of adults worldwide in 2022 did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, putting them at increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Zoë Niven, Senior Development Officer for the Strength and Balance programme at Paths for All, is leading the project and said:

“Boosting muscle strength and improving balance has proven benefits for physical and mental wellbeing and helps people to keep doing the things they enjoy.

“We're looking for passionate individuals with a background in delivering strength and balance exercise in community and/or health settings to join us as we develop this crucial initiative.

“This programme continues to support adults over 65 in maintaining their independence and enhancing their quality of life.

“Our goal is to recruit skilled trainers who can deliver engaging and effective sessions to volunteer Walk Leaders and staff in health and care settings.”

Last year, Glasgow Caledonian University’s Professor of Ageing and Health Dawn Skelton spoke with healthandcare.scot about the importance of exercise is combatting the frailty epidemic accelerated by the lockdowns during the pandemic, with balance being key to reducing the risk of falls among older people.

Now, the new trainers will deliver dedicated training sessions to help Paths for All health walk leaders – many of whom are volunteers – to lead short, safe, social, local low-level walks.

This will enable the volunteers and staff to better to promote walking with strength and balance to older people across Scotland.

The closing date for expressions of interest is on Monday 19 August.

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