Wellington Age Concern developed a Companion Walking Service which was awarded a Golden Foot Walking Award in 2022.
The walking service matches fully trained and police checked volunteers with older people who may be experiencing reduced mobility, mild cognitive impairment, or a need for companionship.
They go for a weekly walk together. Many clients have underlying health conditions that restrict their mobility, and so the walking service helps keep them moving, and improves their mental health by getting outside and going for a walk.
Grace and Muriel
Grace, in her 80s, lived on Oriental Parade. Before she was referred to the walking service, she could only walk on her own for about 15 minutes.
Age Concern matched her with one of their volunteers – Muriel, and they became best of friends.
Every week, Muriel would take Grace out for a walk along Oriental Parade. After five weeks in the service, Grace could walk with Muriel (with a few short stops) for over an hour. They would stop to pat the dogs, watch the swimmers in the Bay, and even get an ice cream.
For Grace, her weekly walk was a real highlight.
Watch Age Concern's video of Grace and Muriel here: https://www.acwellington.org.nz/companion-walking-service/