- To mark World Mental Health Day, Buxton Water and mental health charity Mind have teamed up with Sir Mo Farah to launch 'Talking Laces'; limited-edition laces that act as a wearable signal someone is open to talk or listen
- The campaign comes as part of their year-long partnership highlighting the importance of movement and hydration for physical and mental health, aiming to support more than 1 million people across Britain between 2024 and 2026
- This comes as new research from Buxton reveals that nearly half of UK adults (45%) say they're likely to open up about their mental health while exercising, with 44% finding it easier to talk side-by-side than face-to-face
- One in five (21%) have discussed their mental health with a friend or stranger mid-run, with this figure rising to a third among Gen Z
Britain’s gyms, parks and running routes are becoming sanctuaries for honest, unguarded conversations, as more people are lacing up not just to sweat, but to talk.
New research from Buxton Natural Mineral Water reveals almost half (45%) of UK adults are more likely to open up about their mental health while exercising, including more than half of Gen Z (51%) and (60%) of Millennials.
In fact, one in five of those surveyed (21%) have discussed their mental health with a friend or stranger mid-run, climbing to a third (33%) of Gen Z respondents. While two in five (43%) believe talking about what’s on their mind during exercise is just as good for their mental health as a physical workout itself.
This new research comes as Buxton Water, mental health charity Mind, and four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah are teaming up to launch 'Talking Laces' to mark the World Mental Health Day 2026. These limited-edition, easily recognisable bright blue running laces are designed to help spark everyday conversations about mental health.
Featuring supportive messages including 'Lace up. Open up' and 'Side by side. Step by step', the laces act as a simple visual cue that the wearer is open to talking or listening. This helps remove the uncertainty that often prevents people from reaching out, given almost two thirds (65%) say they’d feel more comfortable starting a conversation if they knew the other person was open to chatting.
The research also highlighted walking (40%) as the top activity for encouraging open conversations across the generations, while working out at the gym (25%) is more popular among Gen Z males.
Moving side-by-side can make difficult conversations easier, with 44% stating they prefer talking alongside someone else – whether exercising, driving or doing a practical task as opposed to facing them directly. More than a third (36%) attribute this to feeling more relaxed, while 30% say it feels less formal and 26% say there’s less pressure to maintain eye contact.
Despite these benefits, 38% of those surveyed find it difficult to open up in daily life, rising to half (49%) in Gen Z. For many, starting the conversations remains the primary hurdle. Half (50%) of those surveyed have never approached someone they believed was struggling, while 38% have worried about a friend or family member’s mental health but didn’t know how to raise the subject. A third (34%) would love someone to talk to about their own mental health, but don’t know how to begin the conversation, with Gen Z women (51%) struggling with this the most in silence.
Created as part of Buxton and Mind's ongoing “Sweat and Tears” partnership, the Talking Laces initiative aims to encourage thousands more conversations across gyms, parks and running routes nationwide.
Accompanying the campaign is the Buxton Side By Side Step By Step Strava Challenge. The digital initiative challenges people to complete 25 minutes of physical activity with a friend to contribute towards a national target of 2.36 million minutes. This figure represents the millions currently accessing mental health support. Every participant who completes the challenge will be entered into a draw to win an Aqua Sana Spa Day for two worth £478.
Sir Mo Farah said: "Running and exercise has never just been about the miles to me. Some of the most honest conversations I've ever had have happened when practicing on the track, side by side, when there's no pressure to look someone in the eye or find the perfect words. These laces are a simple reminder that checking in with someone doesn't have to be complicated. Even the smallest conversations and random acts of kindness can truly change someone’s day.”
Beyond personal wellness, the research also highlights the power of exercise to create new connections. More than half (53%) of people in the UK say they find exercise more enjoyable with company and one in five (22%) have joined a run club or group activity class so they have someone to talk to. In fact, 20% of Gen Z and Millennials have made a new friend while on a run, while 21% have sparked up a conversation with someone new.
Warren Plaskett, Head of Marketing, Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages UK, said: "Our partnership with Mind is built on supporting both physical and mental wellbeing through everyday habits. This campaign recognises something beautifully simple: sometimes the hardest part isn't asking someone how they are, it's knowing how to start. We hope Talking Laces helps make those conversations feel that little bit easier while encouraging people to stay active, stay hydrated, and look out for one another."
Emma Ackerman, Executive Director of Income Generation at Mind, said: "With one in four people in the UK experiencing a mental health problem, creating safe, supportive spaces to talk has never been more important. Physical activity can play a powerful role in supporting our mental wellbeing and when it’s shared with others – whether that’s friends, family or fellow runners – it can be transformative. Every pair of laces bought will help us continue our vital work to ensure that no one has to face a mental health problem alone."
The limited-edition Talking Laces will be available to purchase via Mind's website for £5, with proceeds helping fund the charity's work supporting people experiencing mental health problems across England and Wales.
To join the movement, share your journey online and sign up for the Buxton Side By Side Step By Step Strava Challenge. To purchase Talking Laces, visit Mind’s online Shop.
