walk for wellbeing – a desire to help that grew into a national movement.
When I picked up the phone to share my idea with Sean Wheeler back in 2020, neither of us imagined Walk for Wellbeing would go on to become what it is today.
Earlier that same day, Sean and I had joined a video update call with Mark Lewis and other members of Hospitality Action’s London Fundraising Board. We heard first-hand how the charity was proactively supporting hospitality people facing incredibly challenging circumstances across the UK.
Hospitality Action was one of the first grant-making charities in the UK to respond to the pandemic, quickly deploying a range of emergency measures including financial assistance, outreach support and increased mental health services. In 2020 alone, the charity spent £1.33 million and awarded 4,698 grants.
Despite so much uncertainty at that time, I will never forget the overwhelming sense of hospitality spirit shown by Mark and the entire team at Hospitality Action. They were determined to help as many people as possible, however they could.
None of us need reminding how disconnected, isolated and challenged people were feeling at that time.
And whilst the charity focused on providing essential practical, emotional and financial support, I felt there was an opportunity to create something positive that would help hospitality people reconnect, promote the importance of physical and mental health and in turn give back to this incredible charity.
And that’s how it all started.
Sean embraced the idea and together we created Walk for Wellbeing – an initiative wrapped in purpose and designed to bring people together through the outdoors, movement and meaningful conversation.
That first walk took place in 2020, with about fifty participants walking in socially distanced groups of six as restrictions began to ease. Walk for Wellbeing has since grown into a nationwide movement, bringing together thousands of walkers across the UK and raising more than £500,000 for Hospitality Action. It has become a flagship event for the charity and a powerful force for positive change.
A huge thank you to all supporters, past and present.
This October, Walk for Wellbeing returns and will focus on the importance of connection, support and community, whilst raising funds for Hospitality Action whose work is more important more than ever.
Please sign up for your nearest hosted walk, or ‘Walk It Your Way’ from any location and participate any time between Saturday 10 October (World Mental Health Day) – Sunday 25 October.
Full information/sign up today
Walk for Wellbeing in support of Hospitality Action
powered by mum in partnership with Caterer.com, HR in Hospitality, Imperial London Hotels and Nespresso
with special thanks to Sean Wheeler and Custard
Bath Hoteliers Association, Tonic Talent, Bristol Hoteliers Association, Cardiff Hoteliers Association, Cornwall Hospitality Collective, Edinburgh Hotels Association, Greater Glasgow Hotels Association, New Forrest Hotels Association, Liverpool Hospitality Association, Manchester Hoteliers Association, North East Hotels Association, Wilderness Reserve and Hospitality Association York.
