Walk for Wellbeing stands as an annual reminder that mental health, physical wellbeing and human connection are non-negotiable. Founded in 2020 by Craig Prentice and Sean Wheeler, this grassroots initiative was created to shine a light on wellbeing in hospitality and support the indispensable charity, Hospitality Action. In just a few short years, it has grown from humble beginnings into a nationwide movement bringing together people from every corner of the UK.
We at Tonic Talent are incredibly proud to be stepping into our sixth year of hosting the Birmingham Walk. This event isn’t just another date in our calendar; it reflects who we are and what we really care about. Every day, we see the pressures and challenges faced by people working in hospitality, which is why supporting Hospitality Action is so important. For us, it’s about more than walking; it’s about showing up for our industry.
“It’s an honour for Tonic Talent to be hosting the Birmingham Walk for Wellbeing for the sixth year running. Hospitality Action is a cause very close to my heart, I am a proud ambassador for the charity, and I’m incredibly proud of the support our team, clients, and partners have given over the years. Birmingham has an extraordinary hospitality community, and each year I’m blown away by how people from every corner of the sector come together — walking side by side, raising awareness, and making a real difference for our industry.” – Conrad Brunton, Managing Director, Tonic Talent
How It Started
The idea for Walk for Wellbeing was born at a moment when many were feeling isolated, anxious and unsure – during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitality professionals, accustomed to bustling kitchens, front-of-house chatter, and being part of vibrant teams, suddenly found themselves separated from colleagues, worried about their livelihoods, and, in some cases, struggling with mental, emotional, and financial strain.
Craig Prentice saw both a need and an opportunity. Drawing on his background in hospitality recruitment and his leadership within the community, he wanted to create something simple but powerful: a walk.
“Walk for Wellbeing was born during the pandemic, when so many of us in hospitality were facing challenges to our mental health, wellbeing, and sense of connection. The initiative is about bringing people together, shedding light on the importance of looking after each other, and raising vital funds to support the incredible work of Hospitality Action. Human connection, physical movement, and simply being outdoors can make such a difference – and this event celebrates all of that.
“Now in its sixth year, Walk for Wellbeing is about making a positive impact: on ourselves, our colleagues, our industry, and the number of people Hospitality Action can support. This October, you can join one of the hosted 20km walks taking place across 12 cities: Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Cornwall, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, and York, or take part by ‘Walking It Your Way’ between World Mental Health Day (10 October) and Sunday 26 October. I encourage everyone to get involved and help us walk the walk and make a positive difference together.” – Craig Prentice
Goals
At its heart, the initiative is about more than fundraising. It’s about well-being in every sense:
* Connection and community.
Whether registering for a hosted city walk or choosing the flexible “Walk It Your Way” option, the idea is that people don’t feel alone. Hospitality is a people business, and this event brings people together – colleagues, friends, family – walking side by side.
* Physical and mental health.
Fresh air, movement, stepping away from screens and kitchens, these things matter. They help reduce stress, boost mood, and support mental health. Encouraging people to walk, talk, and share helps normalise conversations around mental wellbeing.
* Raising Awareness.
The walk draws attention to the challenges hospitality workers often face – from financial hardship to mental-health struggles and isolation. It helps to ensure these issues are not hidden but openly discussed.
* Fundraising for vital support.
Proceeds from Walk for Wellbeing go directly to Hospitality Action, which provides grants, counselling, a helpline and emergency relief for people in the industry who are in crisis.
Growth and Impact
What started with small groups in 2020 has evolved into multiple hosted walks in cities across the UK, with new locations joining each year.
The initiative serves as a beacon, inspiring hospitality employers to pay more attention to wellbeing, embed better support systems and foster open dialogue around mental health. The walk has now been gifted to Hospitality Action and is part of the charity’s flagship programmes, which will help it scale even further in the years ahead.
“Walk for Wellbeing has become a cornerstone of our industry’s commitment to mental health. Now in its sixth year, it stands as both a flagship fundraising event and a unifying movement across hospitality. The funds raised are more vital than ever, providing support for colleagues across the sector who are struggling during challenging times. With more locations than ever before, Walk for Wellbeing is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together.” – Hospitality Action
What’s Coming and How to Get Involved
Looking ahead, Walk for Wellbeing is broadening its reach. More cities across the UK are signing up to host walks. The walks offer flexible participation options, so that even if you can’t make a city event, you can join in from wherever you are.
Here are some of the ways you can take part:
* Sign up to walk – either at a hosted city walk or “Walk It Your Way.”
* Join as a team from your workplace, restaurant, hotel or bar – or simply walk with friends and family.
* Volunteer along the route – cheer, guide walkers, help with safety and logistics.
* Fundraise – through sponsorships or donations.
* Champion wellbeing at work – encourage walking meetings, de-stress days and open conversations.
Every step, every conversation, every pound raised helps. It helps someone in the sector who may be struggling, it builds community, and it shifts culture.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
The hospitality industry continues to face rising costs, staffing challenges and the ongoing ripple effects of economic uncertainty. The toll on well-being – both mental and financial – is real. Isolation, burnout, anxiety and depression are sadly all too common in this sector. With that in mind, Walk for Wellbeing isn’t just a walk; it’s a lifeline.
By coming together, speaking out about wellbeing and supporting Hospitality Action, the event ensures that those in crisis aren’t alone and that, as a community, hospitality shows up for its own.
The Call to Action
Whether you’re someone in hospitality, a friend, a family member or simply a supporter of people’s mental health and wellbeing, Walk for Wellbeing is for you. Lace up your walking shoes. Walk somewhere you love. Invite a friend. Talk about why this matters. Support the fundraising. Volunteer. Share the message. Let every step count.
Because in the end, it’s not just about walking. It’s about walking together, for something that matters: your wellbeing, your community and the bright future of hospitality.
Register for Walk for Wellbeing today. Let’s walk the walk and make a positive difference together.
For more information and to register, please visit www.walkforwellbeing.org.
