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Become a Trail Therapy Volunteer with DMBinS – Training & Funding Available

DMBinS are excited to offer a new opportunity for volunteers to train as Trail Therapy Practitioners and Trail Therapy Support Leaders. This programme will be based at Glentress and focuses on supporting people aged 55 and over who may be experiencing physical or mental wellbeing challenges. Find out more and apply here!

Mental Health is not an illness

Trail Therapy is an innovative programme that uses mountain biking as a gateway to wellbeing. By helping people get outdoors, connect with nature, and experience small, supported adventures, the programme creates space for confidence, resilience and new skills to grow. Sessions blend guided riding, mindfulness practices, and time in nature to give participants practical tools that can support their mental health and overall wellbeing.

This particular programme is designed specifically for people over 55, using a fleet of bikes that includes e-bikes to ensure the rides are accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of abilities. We’re also proud to be delivering this work with the support of the Outride organisation, helping make mountain biking more inclusive and impactful.

Applications are open to everyone. If you’re from a group that is currently underrepresented in mountain biking, we do encourage you to apply. We’re also running women-focused courses, and so applications from women are warmly welcomed.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for empathetic, motivated people who want to help others experience the benefits of time outdoors and on bikes.

You might already be:

  • A qualified Mountain Bike Leader with experience guiding rides at grassroots or higher levels
  • A holder of an outdoor qualification such as Summer Mountain Leader, with confidence on a mountain bike
  • A mental health practitioner or counsellor who is comfortable riding off-road

If you don’t yet have an off-road leadership qualification, don’t worry — we can support you with the training needed.

More important than qualifications, you are:

  • Person-centred, empathetic and supportive
  • Flexible and able to adapt to the needs of individuals and groups
  • Passionate about helping others improve their wellbeing

You don’t need a formal counselling qualification, but an awareness of mental health challenges is essential. Additional training in this area can also be provided.

Help Us Bring the Power of Bikes and Nature to More People

Trail Therapy is about more than riding bikes. It’s about connection, confidence, adventure and wellbeing. By volunteering, you can help someone discover a powerful new tool for managing their mental health while enjoying the outdoors.

Please do consider applying now and join us in making a real difference.

Rider 2 Leader

Training and Support

This is a voluntary role, but DMBinS will invest in your development.

Sessions typically run:

  • 2 hours per session
  • Once a week for 7-week blocks
  • At a variety of times (evenings, weekdays or weekends)

We understand how busy life can be, so we’ll work with you to find a level of involvement that fits your availability, you will be part of a wider team so it wont fall to you to deliver everything!

Example of how the training support might work

If you’re already a qualified Off-Road Leader but need:

  • Mental Health First Aid training (2 days)
  • Trail Therapy Practitioner Training (around 4 days)

We would cover the training costs (around £700) and in return ask that you support approximately 14 Trail Therapy sessions, always alongside another trained practitioner or support leader.

Training support isn’t limited to leadership qualifications. We’re also happy to discuss other development opportunities such as:

  • Coaching courses
  • Bike mechanic training
  • Additional outdoor leadership skills

We want volunteering with Trail Therapy to be rewarding for you as well, helping you grow while supporting others.

Interested in Getting Involved?

If this opportunity speaks to you, we’d love to hear from you.

Please complete the application form via the link below and tell us:

  • Your motivations
  • Your current experience
  • What support or training you feel you might need

Being honest helps us understand how best to support you.

Please note: This call is specifically for those interested in volunteering as a Trail Therapy Practitioner or Support Leader. If you are a rider who would like to participate in Trail Therapy sessions, we will be opening places in the coming months — please watch for future announcements.

If you work within the NHS or a third-sector support organisation and believe Trail Therapy could benefit your team or the people you support, we’d also love to hear from you, just use the link below and outline your thoughts.

If you can, please consider donating to the Scottish MTB Heath Fund and help us with our work in this space. Thank you.

Donate

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If you can, please consider donating to the Scottish MTB Heath Fund and help us with our work in this space. Thank you.

Donate