Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods (HMHB) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that developed the walking project Izzwalkz to support adults aged 60+, individuals not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and those who are socially disadvantaged, including people on low incomes, receiving benefits, or experiencing social isolation. Founded in 2016, HMHB aims to improve mental health, encourage time outdoors, and create opportunities for social connection while boosting confidence, health, and fitness.
Prior to receiving funding, they were awarded the Islington Mayor’s Civic Award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the local community. The walks delivered through Walking and Cycling Grants London built on their earlier successes and community-led initiatives.
To launch their Haringey health walk, they partnered with three local medical practices near Finsbury Park, 157 Medical Practice, Stroud Green Medical Practice, and Andover Medical Centre. They also worked with disability officers at Finsbury Park Job Centre to promote the project to residents facing additional barriers to participation.
Weekly walks were soon established: Mondays in Finsbury Park (Haringey), Wednesdays in Highbury Fields (Islington), and Thursdays in Clissold Park (Hackney). Each walk was designed to be accessible, welcoming, and paced to suit participants’ needs. In addition to the weekly programme, HMHB organised monthly summer picnic walks to encourage broader social interaction and invited local health organisations to join. They also hosted free day trips to public attractions such as museums, the zoo, and the Sky Garden, offering shared experiences that brought together participants from different boroughs and strengthened the project's community network.
In March 2025, the project held a special walk at Highbury Fields in Islington, attended by the Mayor of Islington. This event marked one of the final community highlights ahead of the programme’s third-year review and wrap-up.