Thank you for your interest in Heart Foundation Walking
Referring your patients/clients is quick and easy, just answer the following quick questions.
Key Points to discuss with your patients:
- Heart Foundation Walking is a free program designed to improve physical and emotional health
- People can join by signing up for a personal walking plan and/or joining a walking group
- After you refer, your patient/client will receive up to 6 encouraging emails from the Heart Foundation. Your patients can opt out of communications at any point.
All walking participants must be over 18 years of age.
Further information can be found here and in the FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I refer my patients to Heart Foundation Walking?
Established in 1995, Heart Foundation Walking is a trusted national walking program developed and managed by experts in public health and physical activity. The program is entirely free and offers peer and motivational support. Participants find our program safe, supportive, and enjoyable.
Who can refer to Heart Foundation Walking?
Any healthcare professional or health worker can refer to Heart Foundation Walking. Patients are also able to self-refer and can refer a friend.
Can I refer anyone to Heart Foundation Walking?
You can refer any of your patients to Heart Foundation Walking, or even join yourself! Heart Foundation Walking is open to anyone living in Australia who wants to increase their physical activity levels. People living with a pre-existing health condition are advised to discuss their health condition with their healthcare professional before starting.
Do my patients need medical clearance before participating in Heart Foundation Walking?
People living with a medical condition are encouraged to discuss their condition with a healthcare professional before participating in Heart Foundation Walking. All Heart Foundation Walking participants must agree during the registration process that they are participating at their own risk and should seek medical advice with any concerns around participation.
Can patients who have had a cardiac event attend a walking group or complete a Personal Walking Plan?
Yes. If their condition is stable and they have been cleared to participate in regular, gentle exercise, they can commence walking.
Can I refer a patient with health conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, Parkinson’s or back pain to Heart Foundation Walking?
Yes. Physical activity is an important part of the long-term management of chronic health conditions. Please make sure your patients have received specialist advice about exercising with their condition and know what it means to exercise safely. Walk organisers, are often volunteers, and can’t offer medical advice or be responsible for their management. There are some Heart Foundation Walking groups for people living with specific health needs and these are listed on the find a walking group page if available in your area
What training do walk organisers have?
Walk organisers are Heart Foundation volunteers. The Heart Foundation provides online training to walk organisers when they register to help them plan, support and promote their walking groups. Walk Organisers may be employees of the host organisation or community champions. They are not qualified healthcare professionals, although some health professionals may choose to be walk organisers .
Why should my patient join Heart Foundation Walking over another program?
Since 1995, Heart Foundation Walking has supported people across Australia start walking and stay walking. Managed by experts in public health and physical activity, Heart Foundation Walking is safe, supportive and caters to your patients’ abilities. Participants can walk with others, or on their own, at their own pace – any time, any place! The program is free and enjoyable, with no special equipment required.
