General News
23 March, 2023
Group walking for mental health in Avoca
A walk for support is heading out from Avoca this weekend, organised by the Pyrenees Mental Health and Wellbeing Network in response to the national mental health crisis and to support rural community members. The network was established in 2021...
A walk for support is heading out from Avoca this weekend, organised by the Pyrenees Mental Health and Wellbeing Network in response to the national mental health crisis and to support rural community members.
The network was established in 2021 after national suicide prevention program Wesley LifeForce held a session to help establish a local suicide prevention network.
The network consists of long-standing locals who are aiming to share the message ‘Keep talking. Keep checking in’ and the network’s Deborah Hicks said everyone is welcome.
“We’re hoping this event will put the network on people’s minds and they’ll start talking about mental health,” she said.
“We’re really trying to reduce the stigma around mental health. We’re here to help people take that first step and let them know they’re not the only one who’s struggling.
“We’ve had droughts, floods, COVID — conditions keep changing and the pressure to maintain what’s expected is not easy, a lot of it is out of our control.
“You’re not alone. There’s always support.”
The four kilometre walk will get underway on Sunday, aiming to improve the mental health and wellbeing in farming communities by coming together and taking part in low-impact exercise.
It will also feature guest speaker Rick Corney, an Avoca local who has worked in community mental health services for the past 10 years — and experienced his own personal challenges with mental health — and contributed to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
The morning will wrap up with a barbecue breakfast cooked by the Avoca Football Netball Club.
“One of our key areas to target is rural men, because it’s statistically an area of huge concern,” Ms Hicks said.
“A football ground is a really good place to start these conversations, because the men will come over to our stand for some food and we can hand out information leaflets on where you can go for help, and encourage people through our informal conversations.”
The walk will start at 8.30 am this Sunday, March 26 from the Avoca Chinese Garden off Dundas Street.
Participants will receive a small gift bag, and entry is free thanks to funding from the Grampians FARMwell Small Community Grants program.
If this article has raised any concerns for you or a loved one contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyondblue at 1300 22 4636 or www.beyondblue.org.au.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).