Hosting a walking group
What is a host organisation?
A host organisation is an organisation that supports Heart Foundation Walking groups in its local community. Many Heart Foundation Walking groups are connected to a host organisation that shares our commitment to getting local communities up and walking.
Host organisations come from a wide range of sectors. They may include health services, local councils, community groups, shopping centres, workplaces and other businesses and organisations that are passionate about supporting healthier, more connected local communities.
A host organisation can host one or multiple walking groups in their area.
Organisations nominate a local coordinator who acts as the primary contact between the Heart Foundation and local walking groups in their community.
Coordinators help promote walking groups and support volunteer walk organisers. The Heart Foundation provides training, resources and ongoing support every step of the way.
What is a local coordinator?
Coordinators mainly work behind the scenes, while volunteer walk organisers lead and manage the day-to-day activities of individual walking groups.
As the main contact between the Heart Foundation and their local community, local coordinators help connect people, answer questions and support the growth of Heart Foundation Walking in their area.
Their support helps walking groups thrive and ensures more people in their community can access safe, welcoming opportunities to walk together.
Benefits of becoming a host organisation
Beyond transforming health and well-being outcomes in your community, you’ll also:
access a proven program model with free promotional materials
benefit from comprehensive risk management processes
build stronger relationships with clients and the community
raise the profile of your organisation and commitment to the social good
receive free training, development opportunities and support
receive free merchandise and participation incentives
How it works
Register your organisation
Nominate a staff member to become your local coordinator.
Complete training
Once your local coordinator completes the training, they gain access to the program dashboard and promotional materials.
Promote your walking groups
Promote Heart Foundation Walking through your networks and recruit volunteer walk organisers to lead new walking groups.
What host organisations say
Hosting a walking group has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just about business; it’s about building relationships and making a genuine difference in people’s lives. Plus, it’s opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations that I never would have imagined.
Hayley Ferguson, Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a week are required for the local coordinator role?
Time commitment can vary depending on your community and approach, but as a general guide:
- 3-4 hours a week during the initial set up phase. This includes activities like recruiting volunteer walk organisers, developing a local promotion plan and establishing walking groups.
- Up to 2 hours a month once the program is up and running. This time is typically spent supporting walk organisers, responding to enquiries, and liaising with the Heart Foundation as needed.
Can I become a local coordinator and a walk organiser for a group?
Are Heart Foundation Walking participants insured?
Volunteer Walk Organisers are covered under the Heart Foundation’s volunteer insurance policy, but walkers are not covered by public liability insurance. When you register a walker for a Heart Foundation Walking group, you’ll need to make sure they understand the terms and conditions of participating in the program. We’ll explain how to do this during your training.
