KEEN, Inc. (KEEN), the footwear brand on a mission to make outside inclusive and accessible to all, has recently announced their partnership with the Mental Health Mates network for a series of community walks talking place across the UK this spring
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 free walks are open to all and provide an important opportunity to connect with others and take preventative measures to improve mental wellbeing.
It’s no secret that pulling on a pair of shoes and getting outside is good for us. 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. Bryony Gordon, Founder of MHM commented: “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.”
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 in London on 21st March. With walks now fully underway, additional dates include:
Additional Locations + Dates
Beverley: 23rd April
Bristol: 23rd April
Coventry: 30th April
Highams Park, London E4: 23rd April
Hornsea, Yorks: 27th April
Make it happen
Cost: All walks are free to join and open to anyone aged 18 plus. Participants are requested to register in advance by emailing jess@mentalhealthmates.co.uk
Website: For more information on Mental Health Mates visit https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk
The KEEN WK400 x MHM Walk Series is being hosted with support of leading online retailer. sportsshoes.com. For more information or to purchase the WK400 in the UK https://www.sportsshoes.com/
