Network Homes teams up with mental health ambassador Jeff Brazier for walk and talk

Residents and employees of Network Homes and development consultancy Site Sales joined TV presenter and mental health ambassador Jeff Brazier for a walk and talk around Wembley Park on Sunday 13 November. 

The purpose of the walk was to have an open and honest conversation on mental health and how it impacts everyone, while also being an opportunity for people to get together and take in the local footballing sites. Kicking off with a coffee, the group walked around Wembley Stadium before heading along through Brent River Park.  

Jeff took the opportunity to point out the Bobby Moore Statue and St Raphael’s Estate, where England and Chelsea star Raheem Sterling grew up. The walkers were able to share their own personal experiences or simply listen and enjoy the company of others. They finished up at the Yellow community centre in Wembley Park with some well-earned tea and cake.   

We hope the walk will encourage more housing associations and local councils to talk to residents and communities about mental health and review the support they offer.  

The beauty of the walks is that they are an open space for people to connect and in doing so we get to feel heard, validated, included, energised and engaged whilst offering exactly the same back to others. Through listening and sharing it gives us a sense of value and self-worth not to mention a set of lungs full of fresh air!

Jeff Brazier

It was great to walk and chat with Jeff, colleagues, residents and my kids while getting together and engaging in some important conversations about mental health. Hopefully this will inspire others to get together and have open discussions. At Network Homes we believe mental health is as important as physical health. We provide support to residents through a dedicated mental health liaison team, and colleagues are supported by our mental health first aiders, and I am very proud to be one of those.

Jamie Ratcliff, Executive Director for People, Partnerships and Sustainability at Network Homes