How long have you worked at St Petrocs?
I have worked at St Petrocs for 4 years and 3 months.
What is your role at St Petrocs?
I started as a Supported Accommodation Officer in Bodmin and Liskeard and then moved to become a Vocational Development Officer (VDP).
When and how did the partnership with the South West Coast Path Association start?
Myself and 2 VDP colleagues, Abi and Amanda, were given the opportunity to undertake the SWCPA Volunteer Walk Leader training and completed the Walk Leader Training day on 30/06/2023. We then had to complete several walks and organise a walk and complete paperwork and got our certificates in February 2024.
What benefits do you see that this brings to St Petrocs?
We have large mixed groups of residents, volunteers, invited partners and even Board Members who come along and enjoy each other’s company walking and talking whilst benefitting from the beautiful scenery. We all benefit from the physical exercise and improved Mental Health from being out in nature and socialising with others from all walks of life. It also enables our partners to come along and talk with clients about various projects in a relaxed setting.
How have the St Petrocs team engaged with the partnership?
The partnership has been brilliant. Jack sets up and organises a variety of interesting areas to visit and always adds extra interest such as museum visits, boat trips, history, nature art and many other subjects. Our Supported Accommodation Officers benefit from having the opportunity to work with their residents away from the houses and this often leads to some very good outcomes. I have had the opportunity to support SWCPA with letters of support and spoke at the Coast Path Forum last year, organised by the Association, and joined a panel on stage to talk about our partnership.
How many walks have SWCPA and St Petrocs teamed up on since the partnership began and what difference have the walks made to those who have taken part?
We have done about 30 walks since we started partnering with the SWCPA. The evidence of the positive effects the walks have on our residents is shown every month by the amount of interest shown and the attendance levels. People are always eager to know where and what we we will be doing the following month. Our regulars also get to meet up with members of houses from different areas and friendships have been formed.
What is your most memorable experience of being out on one of the CPC walks?
I love visiting loads of different areas and having new experiences. We have places like Glendurgan that we have been to multiple times at different times of year. One of my favourites was visiting Botallack Mines and seeing Choughs in a beautiful nature setting which was once heavily industrialised. I enjoyed seeing nature thriving and delving into the mines to learn about the past.
Has being involved with the SWCPA inspired you to explore more of the SWCP?
The walks Jack has organised have opened my eyes to the variety of the different sections of the path and I revisit some of these with my wife in my spare time as well as continue to find new parts to visit.
What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering with the SWCPA community engagement team?
I would and do encourage my colleagues to get involved with SWCPA. 2 VDP colleagues and I did the Walk Leader training. I am now the only one left at St Petrocs as they have both moved on. I am hopeful that others will be able to take up the opportunity we were given.
Any final words……
SWCPA and the Coast Path Connectors project do a fantastic job with the upkeep, access and opportunities for everyone to enjoy the Path. A special mention to Jack Greaves and everything he does for St Petrocs and our clients. He is a brilliant asset to have a partnership with and very conscientious and easy to work with. Long may it continue.
St Petrocs have worked with our Cornwall Coast Path Connector hub since the programme launched in 2023. Jack Greaves is our Community Engagement lead in Cornwall. If you’d like to find out more about Coast Path Connectors in Cornwall, or see how you can get involved, please go to Coast Path Connectors – Cornwall or email jack@southwestcoastpath.org.uk.
Find out more about St Petrocs, a charity that is working to end homelessness in Cornwall, because every person has a right to a safe and secure home. go to St Petrocs.
The South West Coast Path 