How Walk for Wellbeing is supporting Birmingham’s hospitality workers

The pandemic saw a crisis in the hospitality industry. Lockdown measures - and now the ensuing rise in the cost of living - created an uphill battle for businesses to stay afloat. And of course, the human cost to this turmoil means that many households have been left in crisis, leading to social deprivation and mental health issues.

One organisation has a plan to help raise awareness of this issue.

A walk, arranged by the Hospitality Action charity, is set to take place between the 8th and 16th of October this year, encompassing World Mental Health Day on the 10th. The event is accessible to all ages and abilities, regardless of fitness level, and while raising funds for the hospitality industry and raise awareness for mental health.

The event aims to bring a fun and flexible experience to those involved, who can sign up individually or as part of a group on the Walk for Wellbeing website.

Speaking to BirminghamWorld, Conrad Brunton, Managing Director for Tonic Talent, said: “So across the city, and across the UK, there are four hosted walks on the 16th of October. But really over a period of two weeks, people can just go out, walk, raise some money for Hospitality Action, but also raise awareness for mental health specifically in the hospitality industry.”

Adin Memetovic, General Manager of Albert Schloss, added: “So here at Albert Schloss, we’re going to be bringing a team of round about 20 - 25 and that’s going to be across our divisions, so kitchen team, bar team, floor team, our entertainers and some of our doorstep also are very enthusiastic about getting involved with the walk. And it’s not just us, there’s lots of other hospitality companies across Birmingham and the West Midlands getting involved. And all of us together, we’re going to walk that 20 kilometres to celebrate hospitality.”

Conrad said: “In hospitality. it’s looked at as something - everyone’s happy, everyone’s sort of on show. And actually, sometimes that can mask slightly deeper issues. And everyone’s much more aware of it now. I think certainly, you know, in guys, I think the biggest killer in guys in the UK, under age 40, unfortunately, is people taking their own life. And that that’s a shocking statistic for someone like me to, to sort of get their head round really. I think that the more we’re talking about it, the better it is. And actually, you know, the Walk for Wellbeing, raising awareness like this, I think is a really good thing.”

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