Wellbeing Facilitator and Connector - Volunteer in Harrow

ParkBathe supports 700+ people a year and is launching its evidence-based Green Social Prescribing walks in Harrow. We’re seeking a Lead Mindful Walk Facilitator & Connector to train, lead monthly forest bathing/5-4-3-2-1 walks, and build links with referrers, parks & health services.

This role will have a direct impact on people in Harrow who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, loneliness or low confidence accessing green spaces. By leading one regular ParkBathe walk each month, the volunteer will help create a calm, safe and welcoming space where participants can slow down, regulate, connect with nature and learn simple tools they can use again on their own. Based on the model in other parks, we expect to support 80‑120 people a year in each park location.

Their work will also help ParkBathe build something lasting in Harrow. By supporting local relationships with link workers, social prescribing teams, parks officers, Harrow Council and community partners, the volunteer will help turn ParkBathe from a pilot project into an embedded Green Social Prescribing pathway running throughout multiple parks in Harrow. This means more people can be referred into a trusted, accessible, evidence‑based nature wellbeing offer close to where they live.

For ParkBathe, the volunteer’s contribution will be hugely valuable at a key stage of growth. We already deliver prescribed mindful nature walks to 700+ people a year across London, and this Harrow pilot is part of our wider mission to make nearby nature a practical public health resource. The right volunteer will help us demonstrate what a gold‑standard, community‑rooted Green Social Prescribing model can look like one that supports mental wellbeing, reduces isolation, strengthens local partnerships and gives people the confidence to return to their parks long after the walk has ended.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a thoughtful, grounded and reliable volunteer who is excited by the potential of nature‑based wellbeing and Green Social Prescribing. This is not simply a “walk volunteer” role; we are looking for someone who can train as a ParkBathe Mindful Walk Facilitator and help us shape a high‑quality, locally embedded GSP offer in Harrow.

The ideal volunteer would have at least three years experience in one or more of these areas: counselling, therapy, coaching, mental health, social prescribing, public health, community wellbeing, health policy, outdoor wellbeing, evaluation or related work. They do not need to be an expert in all of these areas, but they should understand the importance of safe, accessible, trauma‑informed and inclusive practice. Experience of supporting people with anxiety, low mood, isolation, bereavement, stress, health challenges or low confidence would be especially valuable.

We also warmly welcome people with relevant lived experience of mental health challenges, isolation, recovery, caring responsibilities, disability, long‑term health conditions or life transitions, where they feel this experience gives them insight, empathy and motivation to support others. Lived experience is valued, but the role also requires good boundaries, reliability and the ability to hold a calm, supportive space without taking on a therapeutic or crisis‑support role.

The most important qualities are warmth, steadiness, emotional intelligence and a team spirit. ParkBathe walks are gentle, slow and highly structured, but participants may come with a range of vulnerabilities. We need someone who can create a calm, welcoming atmosphere without trying to “fix” people, over‑medicalise the experience, or turn the walk into a talking therapy session. The right person will be comfortable holding quiet space, following a script, noticing group dynamics and helping people feel safe outdoors.

This role does not require high fitness levels. ParkBathe walks are not exercise walks; they are slow, mindful nature connection sessions, usually covering only around 500–1,000 metres. The role may therefore suit someone with lower mobility, as long as they are comfortable being outdoors for around two hours and can support participants safely within the route.

The volunteer should also be confident communicating with professionals and community partners. As part of the Harrow pilot, they may help build relationships with link workers, social prescribing teams, parks officers, Harrow Council contacts and local wellbeing organisations. They may also help recruit and support local peer volunteers, gather light‑touch feedback, contribute to evaluation, and help us understand what is needed for the project to grow sustainably.

Reliability is essential. The volunteer will need to complete ParkBathe training and, once ready, commit to leading approximately one walk per month in Harrow, alongside some community connecting and development activity. They will be supported by ParkBathe’s founder and our wider team of trained Walk Leaders and Ambassadors, but they will also bring their own insight, initiative and local/professional knowledge. Above all, we are looking for someone who believes that nearby nature can become a practical public health resource, and who wants to help more people in Harrow feel confident, supported and connected in their local green spaces.

Hybrid

This role can be delivered in a hybrid format, with participants attending the walk in person and support activities managed remotely as needed.

What will you be doing?

The volunteer will play a key role in helping ParkBathe establish its new Harrow Green Social Prescribing pilot (commencing summer 2026) as a trusted, high‑quality local offer. A key responsibility will be to train up as a ParkBathe Mindful Walk Facilitator and lead gentle, accessible one‑hour monthly walks using our structured model, which combines forest bathing, 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 sensory grounding and secular mind‑body techniques.

Alongside delivery, this is a connector role. The volunteer will help us build strong working relationships with link workers, social prescribing teams, public health, parks officers, Harrow Council contacts and local community organisations, so that the pilot becomes embedded rather than a stand‑alone activity. They may support introductory calls, attend local networking conversations, help explain the ParkBathe model to referrers, and contribute to shaping a clear referral pathway for participants experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood or isolation.

Key priorities will include helping us launch regular ParkBathe walks in Harrow, supporting safe and welcoming participant experiences, gathering light‑touch feedback and evaluation surveys, and helping identify what works best for local people and services. The role would also involve evaluating learning from the pilot so we can refine the offer, evidence impact and build a sustainable model for future growth.

ParkBathe Mindful Walks CIC is a growing nature‑based wellbeing organisation delivering prescribed mindful nature walks across London. The volunteer would be supported by Vanessa Potter, ParkBathe’s founder, alongside our wider team of trained Walk Leaders and Ambassadors. Full ParkBathe training, supervision, walk scripts, risk assessment guidance and ongoing support will be provided.