Registrations are now available for One Door Mental Health’s annual Wellness Walk for Mental Health, which takes place each year in accordance with New South Wales Mental Health Month (1-31 October).
The event provides people with an opportunity to improve their physical wellbeing while showing their support for people experiencing mental health challenges, as well as their families, carers and supporters.
Since it began in 2013, the Wellness Walk has raised more than $500,000 for essential mental health and wellbeing services – supporting the one in five Australians facing mental health challenges.
Held on Sunday 13 October in Sydney, the Wellness Walk offers participants the option of walking 2km around the Royal Botanic Gardens, or 5.9km across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and back. People in Newcastle can also join the return walk from Customs House Plaza to Rydges Newcastle on Saturday 12 October.
Crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge signifies bridging the gap by moving from stigma to understanding. Gathering together demonstrates fellowship, union, and care for the people One Door supports. The act of walking reflects that living with mental health challenges is a step-by-step, one-step-at-a-time process.
“On behalf of One Door Mental Health, I invite you to join our Wellness Walk and festival. The return walk from Government House across the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a great opportunity to get out for a walk while showing support and raising awareness for Australians living with mental health challenges,” One Door Mental Health CEO Kathi Boorman said.
“Your support is essential for a successful day and for raising awareness of this important cause.”
The 2024 Wellness Walk marks the first iteration of the event since Mind Australia and One Door formally merged on 1 January 2024 to establish one of the largest community managed mental health and wellbeing service specialists in Australia.
“The Wellness Walk is an iconic event that fosters a sense of community, comradery and connection, and I applaud our One Door Mental Health colleagues on this initiative,” Mind CEO Gill Callister said.
“Mind is proud to support the Wellness Walk and One Door’s mission of raising mental health literacy in the community, and much-needed funds to support people experiencing mental health challenges.”
For more information or to register, visit www.wellnesswalk.org.au