Nationwide movement ‘Walk for Wellbeing’ has reached an incredible milestone this year, raising over half a million pounds for UK charity Hospitality Action since its launch in 2020.
This remarkable achievement celebrates the collective spirit of the hospitality community, who have come together in their thousands each year to help fund vital mental health and wellbeing support for individuals and families across the industry. ‘Walk for Wellbeing’ has become a highlight in Birmingham’s hospitality calendar, uniting teams, friends, and families across the city to raise vital funds that support the mental health and wellbeing of people working in the industry.
This October saw more than 1,400 people from across the industry – the most to date - unite for this year’s ‘Walk for Wellbeing’, raising an outstanding £165,000. In the past year alone, the funds from the initiative have been applied to support hospitality households with clearing priority debts, preventing homelessness, and helping with mental health support.
Conrad Brunton, Managing Director at Tonic Talent, said: “Seeing how far Walk for Wellbeing Birmingham has come is incredible - from just three walkers in our first year to 106 this year!
“We’ve usually been blessed with sunshine, but this time the rain truly tested us. Even so, spirits couldn’t have been higher. Everyone smiled, laughed, and kept going, showing the amazing strength of our hospitality community.
“Huge thanks to our brilliant local businesses: Albert’s Schloss for hosting us as our base camp and to The Plough Harborne for their warm welcome at our pit stop. The walk might be easier in dry weather, but the sense of achievement this year was unmatched. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who took part.”
Powered by hospitality talent and recruitment partner mum in partnership with Caterer.com, Imperial London Hotels, and Sona, this year’s event saw Cornwall, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and York join the growing grassroots movement, bringing the total number of host cities to twelve, including Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Manchester. Participants gathered to take part in 20km hosted walks across the UK, from city streets to scenic parks and waterfronts, which not only offered an enjoyable challenge but also created a sense of community and togetherness, highlighting the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the industry.
In addition, hundreds of people also chose to ‘Walk It Your Way’ between World Mental Health Day on 10 October and 26 October, raising even more awareness and vital funds for this worthy cause. Mark Lewis, CEO of Hospitality Action, said: “Walk for Wellbeing is about so much more than walking - it’s about the hospitality community coming together to look after its own.
“The funds raised have a real, lasting impact, helping prevent homelessness, ease financial pressures and support mental health for our colleagues and their families. Since 2020, Hospitality Action has awarded over £5 million in grants, and initiatives like Walk for Wellbeing play a vital role in sustaining this support and ensuring it reaches those who need it most.”
The seventh annual Walk for Wellbeing will return in October 2026, with hosted walks planned across the UK.
