A Talk in the Park: Experts Urge Brits to Walk and Talk for Wellbeing
24 March 2025
Initiative encourages walking & talking with someone new
New research from Vitality has revealed that a quarter of Brits surveyed (25%) are unable to recall the last time they had a meaningful, unplanned conversation with someone new, and over a third (36%) actively avoid talking to people they don’t know altogether.
This lack of new social engagements is having a significant impact on Brits health and wellbeing, with three quarters (76%) admitting to having experienced loneliness and 29% saying they feel disconnected from their community. This sense of isolation is also impacting physical wellbeing, with 42% admitting their exercise levels have dropped and nearly half (47%) saying they go out less than they did previously.
To help combat this, Broadcaster and ‘professional talker’, Gabby Logan, is backing ‘Talk in the Park’, a Vitality initiative calling on people to boost their mental and physical wellbeing by walking at their local parkrun.
The initiative comes as experts claim that talking and walking can supercharge the effects of the latter. Half (50%) of Brits surveyed say they walk further when deep in conversation and 27% say they walk for longer when they’re with someone. A further 22% of those who go for a walk are more motivated to do so when with company, helping them get more steps in.
Boosting mental wellbeing too, 24% of those who go for a walk say having company lifts their mood and 28% say it makes conversations flow more easily. Helping them feel more connected, a fifth (21%) of Brits would go as far as to say walking with someone helps reduce feelings of loneliness.
However, despite understanding the benefits, a staggering 35% say they struggle to find someone to walk with, two fifths (40%) admit that they rarely or never strike up conversations with people they don’t know, and 47% say they hardly ever find themselves in situations to do so. For many, the challenge lies in knowing where to start with over a third (36%) unsure how to meet new people or begin conversations.
Walking at parkrun is the perfect way to stay active while building social connections, creating an environment that enhances both physical and mental wellbeing.
Vitality has been a headline partner of parkrun for over 10 years. Together, they have supported thousands of people to get active and live healthier lives. Over that time, parkrun in the UK has over 5 million registered parkrunners, with over 200,000 taking part on a weekly basis nationwide at over 800 5k events. The charity are now refocusing efforts on the benefits of walking at parkrun and encouraging people to take the first steps to being active by parkwalking at their local event Find out more here.
Vitality Ambassador, Gabby Logan is a firm believer in the transformative power of social connection and hopes a Talk in the Park will inspire people to get moving while making meaningful new connections. “We want the nation to see how a simple conversation combined with a short walk can put a spring in your step - both physically and emotionally. Vitality’s research shows just how much we all crave connection, yet many of us struggle to find the right opportunity. That’s why I’m supporting this initiative - it’s a fantastic way to get moving, spark meaningful conversations, and boost both our mental and physical health. Sometimes, all it takes is a stroll and a chat to make a real difference, and parkwalk presents the perfect opportunity to do so."
With Vitality’s Habit Index revealing that walking just *5,000 steps, three times a week, can add up to three years to life expectancy, getting your steps in is more important than ever.
Chief Commercial Director at Vitality Health Insurance, Dr Katie Tyron adds, “Walking is a powerful tool for both physical and mental wellbeing, and combining it with conversation makes it even more effective. A simple walk-and-talk not only lifts your mood and reduces stress but also encourages you to walk further and more often - boosting cardiovascular health, improving overall fitness, and helping you hit those step goals. I’d prescribe a Talk in the Park to anyone feeling lonely, down or like they need some motivation to get active”.
parkrun Founder, Paul Sinton-Hewitt CBE shares, “parkrun has always been about being active and connecting with the community around you. Joining in at parkrun, whether that be walking, running, volunteering or just coming down to be outdoors with others, is a great way for people to connect to others, and start to make improvements to their physical and mental health.
We’re really excited to be teaming up with our partner Vitality to support a Talk in the Park and look forward to welcoming more walkers to parkrun.
The average time for completing a parkrun keeps getting slower as more people discover that walking is not only possible at parkrun, but that we positively encourage it! Come join us for a walk this Saturday and every Saturday, for free."
Notes to editors
* Data taken from the Vitality Habits Index
Research was conducted by Opinium by 2,000 UK respondents aged 18+, in February 2025.