Mental health awareness walk returns at Brentford Sports FEST

Brentford Sports FEST’s popular mental health walk will return to Brentford Sports FEST for its third consecutive year. The walk, dubbed the “5k Walk and Talk”, aims to raise awareness of mental health while walking through the iconic private gardens of Syon Park.

Run in partnership with West London NHS Trust, the free walk is available to local residents of all abilities to tackle the stigma around mental health and to encourage more people to talk while getting active.

West London NHS Trust’s Occupational Therapy Technician, Michelle Nielsen, said:
“I’m really pleased to be involved again in this annual event with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust. The 5k ‘walk and talk’ is a great opportunity to get some exercise and have a chat about whatever’s on your mind; by connecting with somebody and starting a simple conversation can really help to improve and save lives.

“Walking is a free and easy way to get some exercise, to help your mental and physical wellbeing, plus a great opportunity to make some new friends.”

The 5k Walk & Talk is just one of a number of initiatives that the Trust runs to promote mental health. In September 2019, Brentford FC’s psychologist ran a wellbeing workshop for young carers and later this month Griffin Park will host a documentary on male suicide to Brentford fans.

Sponsored by Brentford Lock West, local residents and keen runners can also sign up for 10k and 5k runs through the private gardens of Syon Park. Plus, there is a 1k children’s race and paddleboarding sessions on Brentford Lock.
Book your place at Brentford Sports FEST here.