Mental health charity invites people to pull on their walking boots
Mental health charity Summits Up is encouraging people across Nottinghamshire and the surrounding areas to lace up their walking boots and join a growing community focused on connection, wellbeing and open conversation — while also helping raise vital funds to provide urgent mental health therapy for people in crisis.
Founded by local volunteers passionate about improving access to mental health support, Summits Up organises regular monthly hikes, outdoor challenges and community events designed to bring people together in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The charity was created around a simple idea: that getting outdoors, moving, and talking openly can have a powerful impact on mental wellbeing. Alongside building supportive communities, every event is designed to raise funds that directly help people access professional mental health support when they need it most.
The monthly hikes, which take place across the Peak District and surrounding areas, are open to all abilities and attract people from a wide range of backgrounds. Some attend for the physical challenge, others for friendship, confidence, support, or simply the chance to switch off from daily pressures.
Importantly, the events play a key role in funding urgent therapy support for individuals struggling with their mental health. Through fundraising, sponsorship and donations, Summits Up aims to provide rapid access to qualified therapists for people who may otherwise face long NHS waiting lists or be unable to afford private counselling. The charity’s goal is to connect people with support within 24–48 hours and fund six therapy sessions for those experiencing crisis or severe emotional difficulty.
Co-founder Emma Trolley said: “Sometimes people don’t need a formal setting to start opening up — they just need fresh air, good company and somewhere they feel comfortable. We’ve seen complete strangers become genuine friends through these hikes, and we’ve seen people regain confidence and purpose simply by feeling part of something supportive.
But alongside that community side, fundraising is a huge part of what we do. Every hike, challenge and event helps us raise money to fund real therapy support for people who urgently need help but can’t access it quickly enough. We want people to know that by joining our events, they’re not only supporting their own wellbeing — they’re helping somebody else access potentially life-changing support too.”
The group’s events range from shorter social walks to larger fundraising challenges, including charity hikes, running events and wellbeing activities. Upcoming events throughout 2026 include Peak District hikes, the Madeira Hiking Challenge, the Robin Hood Half Marathon and a range of community fundraising activities aimed at funding urgent therapy provision.
Upcoming local hikes include:
• Sunday 7th June 2026 – Kinder Scout Challenge
An 18km Peak District fundraising hike taking in Kinder Downfall, Brown Knoll and surrounding trails.
• Sunday 12th July 2026 – The Roaches Hike
A 16km scenic fundraising route across The Roaches and Staffordshire Moorlands.
Summits Up hopes the hikes continue to encourage more people to prioritise both their physical and mental wellbeing while also helping fund accessible mental health support for those who may be struggling in silence.
Anyone interested in joining a future hike, fundraising for the charity or supporting the organisation can find more information at summitsup.co.uk or follow @summitsupuk on Instagram.