NEWS | Keen Roll Out UK Community Walk Series With Mental Health Mates

March 29, 2023 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

camping news, Homepage Feature, Latest Posts, Walks

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Footwear brand Keen is on a mission to make outside inclusive and accessible to all, and is delighted to announce their partnership with Mental Health Mates for a series of community walks in the UK commencing Spring 2023.

Keen Roll Out UK Community Walk Series With Mental Health Mates

Founded by journalist and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon in 2016, Mental Health Mates is a thriving network of over 150 peer support groups who meet regularly all across the UK to provide a safe space to walk, connect and share without fear or judgement. Led by regional volunteers, these walks provide an important opportunity to connect with others and take preventative measures to improve mental wellbeing.

It is well known that walking can boost emotional wellbeing and ease chronic mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In addition to overall health benefits, walking increases blood circulation to the brain which lifts the mood and can calm nerves by decreasing the stress response.

Walking with others is widely recognised to further build on these benefits by providing positive social interactions that can stave off loneliness, boost self-esteem and improve negative mood. “We know, from personal experience, that mental illness magnifies through isolation. So whether it is talking to someone, sharing with them or simply walking beside them, we believe that getting connected is the first steps to recovery. Bryony Gordon, Founder, MHM.

Part of the KEEN.Effect programme which sets out the brands’ global commitment to support initiatives and NPOs across the world who promote the positive impact of outdoor participation and champion inclusivity, the brand is delighted to support MHM in their important work.

The KEEN WK400 X MHM series endeavours to encourage movement, make connections and build confidence in those who may have experienced stigma and barriers to getting outside due to mental health challenges in their lives.

Coinciding with the launch of KEEN’s new all-terrain walking shoe, the WK400, the KEEN WK400 x MHM Walk series kicked off with the inaugural event hosted with MHM founder Bryony Gordon in London on 21^st March. Eleven walks follow across the UK:

All walks are free to join and open to anyone aged 18 plus. Participants are requested to register in advance by emailing [email protected]

Get information on Mental Health Mates.

The KEEN WK400 x MHM Walk Series is being hosted with the support of leading online retailer sportsshoes.com.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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