Accompanied Walks -

Accompanied Walks for the over 65s and for young adults with autism

From April 2022 (Wednesdays and Fridays pre-arranged visits only)

Two people walking their dogs at Chiltern Open Air Museum

A dose of ‘Vitamin green’

With over 100 people benefiting from Accompanied Walks 2021, our Accompanied Walks project is now firmly embedded as part of the Museum’s wellbeing offer and this year we are extending our reach to include young adults with autism.

Accompanied Walks 2022 kicks off this coming April, running on Wednesdays and Fridays until October. The project provides an opportunity for members of the community aged 65 years or over and young adults with autism who have little or no opportunity to venture outdoors or interact with other people. If you think this describes you or someone you know (even just a little bit!), please read on…

By spending an hour or so in the beautiful surroundings of the Museum, in the company of a friendly and knowledgeable volunteer, learning about our unique collection of heritage buildings and rare breed farm animals, Accompanied Walkers benefit from:

A dose of ‘Vitamin green’ from being outdoors in a rural setting.
The security of being in a supervised setting (as opposed to a public park) with toilets.
A social interaction.
The knock-on wellbeing benefits associated with the above, such as an increase in confidence, a greater ability to manage existing health conditions, and a diversion from negative thoughts.
And most likely, pure enjoyment!

Please note that Accompanied Walkers have the option of bringing a relative, friend or carer (and a dog if they have one!) along for moral support – they too are likely to benefit from the experience. Please note, all high need visitors must be joined by a carer/companion.

Refreshments will be provided and some help with transport can be arranged. Mobility aides including a golf-buggy are available on site to assist those with limited mobility. This is all free of charge for a limited number of visitors. Government guidelines on Covid safety will be followed.

“I wanted to let you know how well we were looked after….There are so many people who need to be given the opportunity to get out after lockdown and resume some social activities. We will pass on the information to others that might benefit from such individual attention and access to a safe outdoor venue to walk in.” Accompanied Walker 2021

If you or anyone you know is interested in an Accompanied Walk, please register by filling out the form below.

Self-Registration Form

Social Prescribers and others working in the care profession are welcome to contact Jacqui on outreach@coam.org.uk or on 01494 871 117 to arrange a visit to the Museum with a view to referring patients to Accompanied Walks. Social Prescribers can also use the form below to refer a patient.

Referrer Registration Form

The success of Accompanied Walks would not be possible without support from the Sherling Charitable Trust, the King/Cullimore Charitable Trust and the compassion and commitment of the COAM Accompanied Walks volunteers. Our Autism walks are kindly supported by Amersham and Villages Community Board.

You MUST contact outreach@coam.org.uk to book your Accompanied Walk.

This project is subject to government restrictions. Please read our site Covid-19 guidance.