About us

Our past & vision for the future

what is walk talk action

Hi, I’m Teri Elder

I’m the Founder of Walk Talk Action.

In 2016, I started going on walks to help with my own mental health. This quickly escalated into parent and toddler walks, group walks, coffee mornings and signposting services.

I felt there was a huge problem with people not knowing where to go for support. In times of real need – and sometimes desperation – people need to know which organisations and community groups are there to help.

And so, in 2016, Walk Talk Action was born.

As a Not-for-Profit Community Interest Company (CIC), we provide signposting, retreats and programmes to people in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

Here’s what helps me to help people with mental health problems:

  • Outdoor Studies BSc (Hons)
  • Sport & Exercise Science BSc
  • Civic Fellow at Staffordshire University
  • Mental Health Coordinator
  • Mentor
  • Suicide Prevention Certificate
  • Community Consultation Certificate
  • Level 4 Advanced Expedition Emergency First Aid
  • Award in Education & Training
teri elder
teri elder

Hi, I’m Teri Elder

I’m the Founder of Walk Talk Action.

In 2016, I started going on walks to help with my own mental health. This quickly escalated into parent and toddler walks, group walks, coffee mornings and signposting services.

I felt there was a huge problem with people not knowing where to go for support. In times of real need – and sometimes desperation – people need to know which organisations and community groups are there to help.

And so, in 2016, Walk Talk Action was born.

As a Not-for-Profit Community Interest Company (CIC), we provide signposting, retreats and programmes to people in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

Here’s what helps me to help people with mental health problems:

  • Outdoor Studies BSc (Hons)
  • Sport & Exercise Science BSc
  • Civic Fellow at Staffordshire University
  • Mental Health Coordinator
  • Mentor
  • Suicide Prevention Certificate
  • Community Consultation Certificate
  • Level 4 Advanced Expedition Emergency First Aid
  • Award in Education & Training

Meet the other members of the team

Our dedicated leadership team is made up of three other passionate individuals with diverse expertise. Each plays a crucial role in driving Walk Talk Action forward. Their combined efforts ensure we operate effectively and, most importantly, continue to provide vital support to those who need it most.

Together with Teri, they uphold our mission and bring positive change to the people and communities we serve.

Jennifer Thursfield

Jennifer Thursfield

Director

I first met Teri early in 2020 and her passion was instant!

I truly believed her goodwill for the cause of helping others and had to offer to support her.

I am a background support Service Director of the business, as I run my own business and am a busy mum of two wonderful girls.

Samantha Greatbatch

Samantha Greatbatch

Director

I can’t say that I am a keen walker anymore, but I do know how much better I feel just getting out and spending time in nature. Whether that is a woodland walk or a saunter around our local lake. And don’t get me started about being by the sea! There is something calming and restorative about being out there and it’s something I grab at every opportunity.

That’s why I jumped at the chance to be part of WTA and help Teri on her inspirational journey to helping others. We all have our wobbles at times, and I found it especially hard losing my beautiful Mum after seeing her go through so much during lockdown. Having someone to talk to and knowing where to find help would have made things so much easier. Not only did I lose my mum, but I felt like I lost myself. And boy was I angry!

Luckily, I eventually managed to find some bereavement counselling and that helped me to work through how I was feeling and get back to being something like me again. But that period where I felt alone and not sure where to go, even though surrounded by my wonderful friends, was a particularly low point. I hope that I can play just a small part in helping provide a space where people can get out in the fresh air, know that they are being listened to and get the support they need to find their way again.

Tara Burndred

Tara Burndred

Director

My background is martial arts. Japanese Ju Jitsu for over 40 years and in the last 10 years Judo. I’m a Black Belt in both with a 5th Dan in Ju Jitsu.

I came on board to help with ideas and growing Walk Talk Action by being a sounding board for Teri.

I have run my own two businesses for over 20 years and still love what I do. I coach classes in personal safety, martial arts and wellbeing.

In 2013, I become World Champion in WCCJO Sport Ju Jitsu and again in 2015. On the back of that, I help coach the GB Ju Jitsu team.

Positivity and motivation are the key ingredients to success, not to mention working within a great team.

Our Mission

We’re here to help people who suffer from: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression (including postnatal depression), Anxiety, Loneliness, and Midlife crisis. We also help veterans and service leavers.

We encourage you to explore who you are through a unique programme tailored to your needs. This leads to a better state of mind.

Our Vision

We want to get more people outside – walking and talking. We aim to improve your knowledge about how you can help yourself using different coping methods and working through your problems, one step at a time.

We WALK to help improve our state of mind. We TALK to release our burdens. And we take ACTION by acknowledging our strengths.

What’s so good about walking?

Walking is massively underrated as a healthy habit. And it’s often overlooked because it’s wrongly perceived to be ‘not as beneficial as running’. Science tells us otherwise. Simply putting one foot in front of the other can lead to some really impressive mental and physical health benefits.

Walking not only improves fitness and helps prevent weight gain, but it’s also been shown to improve posture, mood and circulation. It helps decrease the risk of chronic disease, and helps alleviate fatigue and depression.

Moreover, going for a walk every day – long or short – can increase exposure to sunlight. Thus supporting the body’s natural circadian rhythm and production of vitamin D.

The 10-Step Programme Launch

The Walk Talk Action 10-Step Programme was officially launched at the Smithfield in Hanley. Teri explained the importance of the service and why it should be made available to the people of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire who struggle with their mental health.

Many organisations were invited, including the National Lottery, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Trentham Canoe Club.

The presentation was received with encouragement and optimism.

And we’re delighted to say that the 10-Step Programme has since helped many people across the Potteries achieve a better state of mind.

teri elder
teri elder

The 10-Step Programme Launch

The Walk Talk Action 10-Step Programme was officially launched at the Smithfield in Hanley. Teri explained the importance of the service and why it should be made available to the people of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire who struggle with their mental health.

Many organisations were invited, including the National Lottery, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Trentham Canoe Club.

The presentation was received with encouragement and optimism.

And we’re delighted to say that the 10-Step Programme has since helped many people across the Potteries achieve a better state of mind.

Our supporters

Our supporters

The fantastic organisations that support the work we do…

Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme

Walk Talk Action is honoured to receive the Silver Award from the Armed Force’s Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.

Presented at the National Arboretum, the awards acknowledge employers who have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community.

A massive thank you to the Ministry of Defence.

Plus, of course, each and every one of you who have made this journey possible. Those who come on our walks, join us for Tea & Toast and all who have taken part in our 10-Step Programme.

teri elder
teri elder

Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme

Walk Talk Action is honoured to receive the Silver Award from the Armed Force’s Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.

Presented at the National Arboretum, the awards acknowledge employers who have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community.

A massive thank you to the Ministry of Defence.

Plus, of course, each and every one of you who have made this journey possible. Those who come on our walks, join us for Tea & Toast and all who have taken part in our 10-Step Programme.

We walk, we talk and we take action

Come and
join us

Come and
join us