Wellness Walk raises awareness and hope for people experiencing mental health challenges
Many people turned out for this year’s Wellness Walk for mental health, uniting in a powerful show of community spirit and support for Australians living with mental health challenges.
Hosted by One Door Mental Health and Mind Australia, this year’s Wellness Walk took place on Sunday 12 October in Sydney. Participants had the option of walking 2km around the Royal Botanic Gardens, or 5.9km across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and back.
Walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge is symbolic, demonstrating our shared commitment to supporting people experiencing mental health challenges, including those who are currently slipping through the cracks in our mental health system.
“The Wellness Walk is about showing up for the many Australians experience mental health challenges, and their families, carers and supporters, who aren’t getting the help and support they need in their communities,” Mind Australia Acting CEO Nicola Ballenden said.
“The Australian Government’s report on unmet need has found that 493,600 people in Australia are missing out on crucial psychosocial support. This includes 230,500 people with severe mental health challenges, and 263,100 with moderate mental health challenges.
“The Wellness Walk symbolises bridging the gap in mental health support – so everyone can access the help they need, when they need it.”
Each year the Wellness Walk is held in accordance with New South Wales Mental Health Awareness Month. The event offers people an opportunity to improve their physical wellbeing while showing solidarity with those living with mental health challenges.
More than 380 participants included people with lived experience, families, friends, politicians, and groups from local businesses using the opportunity as a team-building exercise. But for everyone who joined in, this year’s event was a celebration of solidarity, resilience, and a sign of what’s possible when a community unites in the name of creating meaningful change.
Kathi Boorman, Executive Director One Door Mental Health, said the event provides communities with a chance to increase physical activity, and an opportunity for social connection and camaraderie.
“Each year, the Wellness Walk brings people together to celebrate connection, raise awareness, and show our support for people experiencing mental health challenges throughout Australia,” Ms Boorman said.
“By taking part in the Wellness Walk and gathering together like this, we demonstrate community and care for the people we support. The act of walking together reflects that living with mental health challenges is a step-by-step, one-step-at-a-time process, and that we’re not alone.”
The Wellness Walk is made possible thanks to the support of Lundbeck Australia, Otsuka Australia Pharmaceutical and Bluescale IT.
Newcastle will host its own Wellness Walk event on Sunday 19 October, starting at the Tramsheds at Foreshore Park.
