Walk the Talk for mental health

The challenge is simple, grab your sneakers, a friend or colleague and walk and talk for 65 kilometres throughout May, so Queenslanders in crisis will always have a lifeline.

Lifeline Queensland’s inaugural Walk the Talk campaign aims to raise awareness of the 65,000 Australians who attempt to take their own lives each year and raise funds to ensure support is there for them and the many thousands more who reach out to the crisis support services.

Lifeline Queensland Manager Geoffrey Norman said the challenge to walk and talk is about encouraging connections by having conversations, helping to keep your mind and body healthy.

“Throughout May, we would love to see everyone getting out and about, and with every step and conversation, will be helping to raise awareness, generate hope and break down the stigma surrounding mental health,” he said.

“In addition to boosting your mood while walking, you’ll also be helping to boost the funds that Lifeline needs, to ensure we can answer more calls and save more lives. We encourage everyone in the community to get involved.”

Walk the Talk comes at a time where the need for Lifeline’s service have grown exponentially. The ongoing implications of COVID-19 and recent flooding events, compounding with the ongoing stresses people experience in everyday life, means it is more important than ever to have trained, accredited Crisis Supporters available whenever there is a need.

Mr Norman said there is a lot of talk about mental health, but it is important to put talk into action, and to help create positive change.

“There are so many people doing it tough in our community and there is a really big need for connection and hope which is what Walk the Talk is all about,” he said

“Signing up, and committing to walk and talk for 65,000 kilometres is a step towards creating action, for yourself, and by supporting the vital community service that is Lifeline.”

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How to participate: It’s simple and free to sign up!

Head online to walkthetalkforlifeline.org.au to sign up, and then start the conversation by letting your friends, family and colleagues know that you are taking on the fundraising challenge. Ask them to help you support Lifeline’s mission by joining your team, or donating. From May 1, start walking, keep talking and track your km’s.

Challenge dates: 1 May until 31 May, with last donation banking 15 June.

Where: Queensland-wide

For more information, please contact:
faith.jarvis@ucareqld.com.au
0447 013 049