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Our courses
Inspire First Training is your trusted, local provider of regulated First Aid courses, Safeguarding training, and Mental Health First Aid across Cirencester, South Cerney, and the wider Cotswolds region.
We specialise in accredited First Aid training and provide bespoke First Aid courses, tailored for a variety of industries, families, and workplaces.
What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic Walking is a walking exercise which allow you to exercise your whole body, with less strain than traditional exercise. It is instructor-led, and will take you on walking routes around Cirencester and South Cerney.
Outdoor First Aid
Emergency Outdoor First Aid
Activity First Aid
First Aid at Work
Emergency First Aid at Work
First Aid at Work
(Requali
Student First Aid
Inclusiveness
Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults
Awareness of Safeguarding
Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health
First Aid for Mental Health
Forestry First Aid
Catastrophic Bleeding Control course
Beginner Workshops
Guided Nordic Walks
Your instructor
Meet Gary
With over two decades of experience organising and leading 22 global adventure training expeditions, Gary brings a unique blend of practical knowledge, leadership, and a deep commitment to safety. He has successfully taken teams through remote and challenging environments such as Algonquin National Park (Canada), Tongariro National Park (New Zealand), and the Slickrock Trail in Moab (USA).
As the lead for all First Aid provision and Risk Assessments, Gary ensures every team is well-prepared, supported, and safe - no matter the terrain.
He is a certified:
- Trauma Risk Management Instructor
- Mountain Bike Trail Cycle Leader
- British Nordic Walking Instructor (accredited by the International Nordic Walking Association)
Since 2018, Gary has been a NUCO First Aid Instructor, bringing his expedition experience into the classroom to deliver realistic, accessible, and hands-on training.
My Mission
"Removing the barriers of expense to make First Aid Training more accessible.
Gary believes that everyone should have the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency - without cost being a barrier. His goal is to provide affordable, practical, and inclusive first aid education to individuals, schools, workplaces, and communities across the Cotswolds.
- DBS cleared
- SC security vetted
- Fully insured
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training
- Inclusion facilitator
- First Aid instructor
- First Aid for Mental Health instructor
- Outdoor First Aid instructor
- Catastrophic Bleed instructor
- Forestry First Aid instructor
- Student First Aid instructor
- Safeguarding instructor
- First Aid Internal Quality Assurance (CPD) In date
- British Nordic Walking instructor, accredited by INWA
Testimonials
- Judith B Nordic Walking
I am enjoying learning to Nordic walk. Gary is encouraging and helpful to achieve the correct technique. He makes it fun
- Deputy Head, Cirencester Kingshill School Nordic Walking
We were delighted to welcome Gary Owen, the Director of Inspire First Training. He has subsequently invested himself in designing programmes to support the training of both physical and mental first aid,... Continue reading alongside diverse experience of leading expeditions in the Algonquin National Park, traversing volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, and mountain biking the Slickrock trail in Moab, Gary brilliantly supported our focus on Mental Health Awareness week. He spoke with wonderful enthusiasm and energy about the beautiful simplicity of 'walking-and-talking' in introducing us to the benefits that this can bring to both our physical and mental health. Through his demonstration of Nordic-walking (and the all- important walking poles!), we learnt about how we can all walk with increased purpose, in ways that will simultaneously develop our core bodily muscles and our emotional wellbeing. With Gary's support and expertise, we are keen to establish a Nordic-walking club through our lunchtime Extend programme and students are very much encouraged to be part of this unique offer!
- Annette L Nordic Walking
I am finding Gary's enthusiasm and patience in teaching me nordic walking really helpful - and am looking forward to all the benefits of mastering the technique!
- Manda P Nordic Walking
I was looking for a new year challenge and found Gary's Nordic Walking Course. What a fabulous find! Gary was very accommodating with our dates and communication was great. He was thorough with all aspects... Continue reading of the course, checking our safety, our understanding and our technique. He provided us with equipment for the course but went that bit further by researching best price equipment that met our needs and sizings once course completed. He was easy to talk to, approachable, friendly and ensured we always had a start and end at a fabulous cafe !
- Sam E Nordic Walking
Three of us signed up to a Nordic Walking Workshop with Gary to celebrate a birthday. We didn't know what to expect but Gary was thorough in teaching us how to warm up, and then onto the 10 steps needed... Continue reading to Nordic walk effectively, explaining, demonstrating and then watching our technique closely. We have come away enthused and keen to get started.
- Gail T-H Nordic Walking
I joined Gary Owens friendly Nordic Walking workshop in January. I found him to be a very professional experienced teacher. He's fun but very aware of each person's abilities. It has improved my core fitness... Continue reading and stamina enormously. We now go for exciting guided hikes, exploring the beautiful Cotswold foot paths. I highly recommend Gary and Nordic Walking as a sport.
- Leslie W Nordic Walking
Nordic walking with Gary is great fun and I always return home feeling exercised and rejuvenated. I've lived in the area for decades but all the routes we've covered have been completely new to me and... Continue reading are always in beautiful locations. Gary is highly professional and takes great care to take into account everyone's varying abilities or physical limitations. I can highly recommend!
- Emma F Nordic Walking
I am really enjoying Nordic walking! It's great to be able to switch off from work and really enjoy the outdoors alongside friends! I've lived in the Cotswolds all my life and thought I knew the area but... Continue reading Gary has taken us to such lovely places each week finding new & different walks. He is a great 'find' and I can thoroughly recommend Nordic walking for all round exercise and fun!
- David B First Aid
The effectiveness, clarity and knowledge of Gary's training on the Outdoor First Aid course was outstanding. His real-life experiences are what I liked the most. The course met my expectations.
- Katherine H First Aid
Gary's expertise and knowledge stood out on the Outdoor First Aid course. I really enjoyed the practical elements and the acting scenarios. The course was comprehensive and well thought out.
- Kim S First Aid
Gary really took our needs into consideration maintaining a great pace and flow. I loved his use of Alarms for the Quizzes. Gary is a fantastic trainer, and I highly recommend this Outdoor First Aid ... Continue reading course.
- Andy G First Aid
Gary is a very effective trainer. He is extremely knowledgeable and guided us all throughout. What made it a good Outdoor First Aid course was Gary's practical exercises. (Equestrian)
- Simon S First Aid
I enjoyed all of Gary's Outdoor First Aid course. I had a great time - thanks so much. (Equestrian)
Get in touch
We're always happy to talk to discuss our courses and how we can best meet your needs. Drop us a message using our contact form below.
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