Posted on: Friday 17 October 2025
Nearly 20 people have signed up to become local health ambassadors to inspire others to lead fitter, healthier lives.
The Health Champion scheme offers people the opportunity to learn skills and confidence to deliver well-being activities across Torfaen.
To date, 18 volunteers have registered for a variety of training programmes, including Wellbeing Walk Leadership, Outdoor First Aid, Level 3 Personal Trainer, befriending, and other options suited to their roles.
The initiative, which launched in June, is supported by £1,800 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and facilitated by Torfaen Council’s Health, Sport and Fitness team.
One of the first to qualify is Michelle Collins, from Cwmbran, who has been an active volunteer for the past three years, supporting local food banks and befriending schemes.
After completing her training, Michelle plans to help residents through leading short, accessible wellbeing walks in the Garndiffaith, Varteg, Talywain areas, to help people to improve their physical and mental well-being. She will be promoting the walks on the Connect Torfaen website.
Michelle said: “It’s a very interesting scheme that is worth the work involved in the training. It has helped me improve my own well-being and I am excited to share my experience with other people.
“I am looking forward to leading wel-lbeing walks and find being out in nature helps us all connect with one another. I hope to motivate and support others to make positive changes”.
As well as training, each Health Champion receives mentoring and support from staff at Torfaen Health, Sport and Fitness to ensure they have the support to deliver safe, effective sessions in the community.
Champions are asked to focus on one of three areas - delivering activities linked to an existing community programme, setting up their own activities, or raising awareness of other health and well-being services.
Cllr Fiona Cross, Executive Member for Communities, said: “This is a great example of how our teams can work with people to provide them with the skills and qualifications to improve the health and well-being of their local communities.
“There will be lots of people who can’t afford to join a gym or don’t feel confident enough, so having free or low-cost activities on their doorstep will be of great benefit to lots of residents.”
To find out more about the Health Champions programme or how to get involved, contact sportsdevelopment@torfaen.gov.uk | 01633 628936.