Whittlesea and Hume residents are encouraged to take to the pavement next month as part of the One Foot Forward challenge.
The Black Dog Institute initiative will involve participants walking, running or rolling 40, 60, 100 or 150 kilometres during October as part of Mental Health Month activities and to show those experiencing symptoms of mental illness they are not alone and to help raise funds for crucial mental health research and support services here in Australia.
One Foot Forward campaign manager Ariane Forsythe said one in five Australians experience a mental illness each year, which means around five million people are personally affected.
“One Foot Forward can be a great way to take a positive step forward for your own mental health and show Australians impacted by mental illness that they’re not alone,” she said.
Funds raised from One Foot Forward this year will assist in preventing teenagers with sleep issues from developing into anxiety or depression; helping community presenters reach schools and communities; training teachers to reduce anxiety in children and, engaging people with lived experience of mental-ill health in developing new programs and services.
Ms Forsythe said individuals, teams or schools can sign up to take part in the challenge
“The challenge is a great team building exercise for colleagues and way to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace,” she said.
Details: www.onefootforward.org.au
