The Walk for Wellbeing, an initiative that has garnered widespread attention since its inception, is expanding its reach this year to include three additional UK cities: Oxford, Cardiff, and Liverpool. This expansion brings the total number of cities hosting the event to eight, marking its fifth and largest year to date. Launched in 2020 in London through a partnership with Caterer.com, Lifetime Training, and Peoplebank, the Walk for Wellbeing aims to promote mental health and overall well-being while raising funds for individuals facing challenges in the hospitality sector. On October 13, participants in London, Oxford, Bath/Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Glasgow will set out on 20km walks. Additionally, those unable to participate on this specific date can join virtually from any location between October 10 and October 27.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of heightened demand for mental health support within the hospitality industry. In 2024, Hospitality Action has already witnessed a notable increase in both helpline calls and grant applications, with most issues revolving around debt and mental health struggles. Craig Prentice, the founder of the Walk for Wellbeing, has continuously emphasized the necessity for hospitality businesses to prioritize their employees’ mental health. He describes the event as a grassroots movement designed to advocate for self-care and commendable employment practices. Importantly though, its ability to create connections, offer education, unite diverse segments of the industry, and empower all participants is noteworthy. The Walk for Wellbeing serves as a symbolic and practical measure in fostering a more supportive and health-conscious environment within hospitality.
Rising Trends in Mental Health Awareness
The Walk for Wellbeing, an initiative that has attracted widespread attention since its start, is expanding this year to include Oxford, Cardiff, and Liverpool, bringing the total number of participating UK cities to eight. Now in its fifth and largest year, the event began in 2020 in London, formed through a collaboration with Caterer.com, Lifetime Training, and Peoplebank, to promote mental health and overall well-being. It also raises funds for those facing difficulties in the hospitality sector. On October 13, walkers in London, Oxford, Bath/Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Glasgow will embark on 20km walks. Those unable to join on this day can participate virtually from any location between October 10 and October 27.
This initiative is set against the growing need for mental health support in the hospitality industry. In 2024, Hospitality Action saw a significant rise in helpline calls and grant applications, primarily focused on debt and mental health issues. Craig Prentice, the event’s founder, has stressed the importance of hospitality businesses prioritizing employees’ mental health. He views the event as a grassroots movement to promote self-care and good employment practices. The Walk for Wellbeing not only raises awareness but also creates connections, offers education, unites the industry, and empowers participants, thereby fostering a more supportive environment in hospitality.
