Heart and Stroll FAQ's
- tanya6344
- 5 days ago
- 10 min read
Event:
What is Heart & Stroll?
Heart & Stroll is an initiative designed to promote heart health and fundraising towards our pioneering projects to help improve heart health amongst cardiac patients and relatives.
This annual event will take place in Southampton, with the goal of expanding each year to reach a wider audience and make a greater impact.
Each year, a specific project will be selected, ensuring transparency and allowing the community to see exactly how their donations are making a difference.
Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome – Including the dog! Whether you have a heart condition, know someone who does, or simply want to support heart health, you can join.
How do I register?
You can sign up visiting out website link: https://www.heartbeat.co.uk/events/heart-and-stroll-2025
Is there a fee to participate?
There is a small registration fee of £5 per adult, while children and dogs can participate free of charge. However, for health and safety reasons, all participants, including children and dogs, must be registered for designated walk waves.
For those signing up on the day, the registration fee will increase to £10 per adult, with children and dogs still requiring registration for health and safety compliance.
Heart & Stroll is a fundraising event, and we encourage participants to raise funds to support those affected by cardiovascular disease. Upon registration, you will receive a fundraising pack to assist you in your efforts.
What time do I need to arrive?
The event begins at 9:00 AM. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your designated walk wave time, as indicated in your registration confirmation letter.
If you are unsure of your assigned time, please check your letter or contact us for confirmation.
How long is the walk?
The walk covers a gentle 5km route around Southampton Common. However, we understand that some participants may have mobility challenges, so you are welcome to take part at your own pace and complete as much or as little of the route as you feel comfortable with.
This is not a race—we encourage everyone to take their time, enjoy the experience, and discover the surprises along the way.
Will I get a map of the route?
The route will be clearly signposted, and volunteers will be stationed along the way to provide assistance if needed.
Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely! We love our four-legged friends! Just remember to register your dog when you sign up, and they'll receive one of our fabulous Heart & Stroll dog bandanas to wear on the big day!
Is there any photography and how can I ensure I am not photographed?
Yes, photographers will be present to capture moments throughout the event. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform the photographers on the day, and they will respect your request.
Where can I find photos from the event?
Event photos will be shared on our Facebook page after the event. Please allow a few days for them to be processed and uploaded into an album. Link: www.facebook.com/UKHeartbeat
How can I support Heart & Stroll if I can’t attend?
If you're unable to attend the event, you can still help by spreading the word to others who may be interested in participating.
Additionally, you can make a donation, which will contribute to funding the renovation of the Heart Failure Unit, helping us create the UK’s leading facility. Link: https://wessexheartbeat.beaconforms.com/form/9fac65b7
If there is adverse weather condition, will the event be cancelled?
The Heartbeat team will closely monitor the weather forecast leading up to the event. If adverse weather conditions arise, a decision will be made, and we will provide as much notice as possible.
Accessibility:
Is the route accessible friendly?
The route has been carefully planned to be as accessible as possible. The majority of the route is on tarmac, with the start area being slightly on grass, followed by flat gravel at both the beginning and end of the route.
How is the event accessible friendly?
We have carefully designed the event to be as accessible as possible for all participants. The route has been planned with accessibility in mind, ensuring ease of movement throughout. In addition, we have created a quiet sensory area for individuals with sensory needs, providing a peaceful space to relax. We also have a designated prayer area available for those who may wish to use it. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy the event in a comfortable and inclusive environment.
Do you allow prams/strollers or roller-skates/roller blades, skateboards and/or scooters on the course?
As this is a family-friendly event, prams and strollers are welcome. However, since the event is a walk, we kindly ask that roller-skates, rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters not be used or brought onto the route for safety reasons.
Registration:
How do I sign up?
To sign up, please visit our website or use the link below to complete the registration form. Be sure to include your children and dogs in the registration so they can receive their free item as a thank you for signing up and supporting the event.
Who needs to register?
All participants in the walk must complete the registration process. However, only adults will be charged a registration fee. This ensures we have accurate records for health and safety purposes and allows us to provide a safe experience for everyone involved.
After I’ve registered, when will I receive my fundraising pack?
You can expect to receive your fundraising pack within one week of registering. If you have any issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@heartbeat.org.uk or call us at 02380 706095.
Online Registrations have closed to sending out packs via post, can I still sign up for the walk?
Absolutely! You can still sign up for the walk, and we will have your pack ready for you to collect on the day of the event. Please note, we will stop sending packs via post 5 working days before the event.
Please note: if you wish to sign up on the day, price will have increased to £10 per adult.
What should I do if I can no longer attend the event?
We’re sorry to hear you won’t be able to join us. If you’re no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can update our records. We hope to welcome you at next year’s event instead!
Can I register if im under 18?
Unfortunately, if you are under 18, you must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 in order to participate.
What should I bring with me?
There are only a few things you need to remember to bring with you.
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Plasters – just in case
- Fully charged mobile phone – you can use it to let your friends know how you’re doing using #Heart&Stroll
- Please bring your own reusable water bottle filled. There will also be food vendors and a water station to help you re-fill your water bottles up.
- We are not offering a bag drop facility at our event. So please only bring what you feel is necessary.
What measures are in place for participants' safety?
We have strict capacity limits per walking wave for health and safety reasons. We also have first aiders on hand.
Fundraising:
Is there a fundraising target?
The entry fee helps cover the costs of organizing the event and participant communications. We kindly ask all participants to raise as much sponsorship money as possible to support the renovation of the Heart Failure Unit, helping us create the UK’s leading facility. If you're able to raise funds towards this important cause, it would be greatly appreciated. We encourage participants to aim for a minimum fundraising target of £100, if possible.
Where do I send my sponsorship and donations?
If you have collected cash donations using a paper sponsorship form, please drop them off at the following address:
Rotary Heartbeat House, 152-154 Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6HW
If donations have been made through JustGiving or another online platform, these funds should be automatically be sent to us.
Alternatively, you can make payment over the phone by calling 02380 706095
Can you help me with issues on my JustGiving page?
Of Course! Please contact us on 02380 706095 and one of our fundraising team can help you with this.
Volunteering:
How do I sign up to volunteer?
To sign up as a volunteer, please contact us at 02380 706095 or complete the registration form using the link provided: https://wessexheartbeat.beaconforms.com/form/ac6c30eb
What role will I do at the event?
There are a variety of roles available for volunteers at the event. These include marshalling, guiding vehicles on and off site before and after the event, assisting with participant registration, and helping with other event-related tasks. We will ensure you are assigned a role that suits your skills and interests, and you will receive clear instructions on your responsibilities to help ensure the event runs smoothly.
How much time do I need to commit?
We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of four hours due to the nature of the event. However, if you are available to assist for the entire day, it would greatly support the smooth running of the event. Your time and dedication are truly appreciated.
What support will I be given?
Volunteers will be provided with a comprehensive briefing a few weeks before the event, followed by a shorter refresher briefing on the morning of the event. Additionally, each volunteer will have a designated Heartbeat team member as a point of contact for any questions or concerns throughout the day.
What should I bring?
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Fully charged mobile phone – you can use it to let your friends know you are supporting an incredible event by using #Heart&Stroll
- Please bring your own reusable water bottle filled. There will also be food vendors and we will provide you with some bottles of water to keep you hydrated.
- We are not offering a bag drop facility at our event. So please only bring what you feel is necessary.
What will I gain from volunteering at Heart and stroll?
Volunteering at Heart & Stroll is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a meaningful impact in supporting heart health initiatives. You will have the opportunity to:
· Give back to the community by helping raise vital funds for the renovation of the Heart Failure Unit.
· Gain valuable experience in event support, teamwork, and public engagement.
· Meet like-minded people and be part of an inspiring and supportive team.
· Develop new skills that can enhance your personal and professional growth.
· Enjoy a fun and fulfilling day, knowing your time and effort contribute to a great cause.
Your support is truly appreciated, and we hope you find the experience both enjoyable and rewarding!
I have access needs, will I be able to volunteer?
Absolutely! We are committed to ensuring that all volunteers can participate. We will work closely with you to understand your access needs and assign a role that best suits your abilities, creating an inclusive and positive volunteering experience.
We strive to make our volunteering opportunities as accessible as possible. However, as Heart & Stroll is an outdoor event, factors such as terrain and weather conditions may impact accessibility. To help us better accommodate your needs, we encourage you to inform us in advance. This allows our team to assess the suitability of the event site and available roles, ensuring you are as comfortable as possible on the day.
If you have any specific questions about accessibility or volunteering at the event, our fundraising team will be happy to assist you. Please feel free to contact them at 02380 706095.
I cant volunteer anymore, how do I let you know?
If you are unable to volunteer before the event day, please contact us at 02380 706095 as soon as possible.
If you need to cancel on the day of the event, please inform your designated Heartbeat representative directly as soon as possible.
Can I volunteer with a friend or a team?
Absolutely! The more, the merrier! Please ensure that each member of your group signs up individually through the volunteer registration link.
Can I volunteer if I am under 18?
Yes, volunteers under the age of 18 are welcome to take part; however, they must be accompanied by an adult over 18 throughout the event. We encourage young volunteers to get involved and gain valuable experience, but for safety and supervision purposes, an adult must be present at all times. If you have any questions about volunteering as a minor, please feel free to contact our team on 02380 706095.
Travel information:
Is there parking?
There are limited parking options near the event. Cemetery Road Car Park is available, and there is also the possibility of parking along Hill Lane. However, spaces may fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving early if you plan to drive.
To help reduce congestion and support a smoother event experience, we strongly encourage participants to use public transport where possible. Southampton Common is well connected by bus routes, and Southampton Central Train Station is a short distance away. Please check local transport options in advance to plan your journey.
How do I get there and can I use public transport?
Absolutely! We highly recommend using public transport to make your journey to the event as convenient as possible while reducing congestion in the area.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from Southampton Central Station to Southampton Common. You can take the U2B, U2, U1A, or U1E bus routes, which provide easy access to the event location. Please check local timetables for the most up-to-date schedules.
By Taxi: If traveling by taxi, we recommend using Cemetery Road Car Park as the safest drop-off point. This location provides easy access to the event site.
By Red Funnel:
We have partnered up with Red Funnel to provide discounted rate on the Red Jet for the day of the event. You can book your travel over from the island now on: Heart & Stroll Southampton | Red Funnel Ferries
For the most efficient route, we advise checking public transport options in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.
Facilities:
The event will have several facilities to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.
First Aid services will be available on-site for any medical assistance required.
Toilets will also be accessible in the main event area.
Refreshments will be available for purchase to keep you energised during the walk.
The route has been designed to be as wheelchair accessible as possible, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.
Please note that there will be no bag drop facility, so we advise participants to only bring what they can carry.
Dogs are welcome at the event but must be kept on a lead at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees.