Sunday 11 October 2020 marked the tenth anniversary for the Mental Awareness Foundation’s annual Walk for Awareness, which starts and finishes under the iconic Story Bridge in Captain Burke Park, Brisbane, QLD.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s event looked like it may not proceed, however, with a little imagination and some clever adaptations the walk took place and was a huge success.

Co-founders of the Mental Awareness Foundation, brothers Wesley and Tudor Vasile championed the walk more than ever this year with a clear message that ‘if there was ever a time for us to come together for some good times, laughter, and love, it’s now.’

The organisers offered several options this year to encourage participation and meet the needs of participants. This included the addition of virtual opportunities to walk in your local neighbourhood with your own team: it was heart-warming to see groups online from all around Australia. Start times were also staggered (8:30am, 9:15am and 10am) to ensure physical distancing. The 10am session also allowed some of us a Sunday morning sleep in! 😊

I have loved being involved each year in this event as it is a great way to kick off mental health week, raise awareness for mental health, reduce stigma, get some fresh air while exercising, and connect with all my like-minded friends and associates who work in the mental health and suicide prevention field.

I am so passionate about normalising the conversation and checking in with your loved ones, asking them how they are really going on the inside and also reaching out to those you pass every day. These significant events are so important to remind ourselves to stop and connect with those around us and build that human connection whether it is virtually or IRL. 😊

Jacqui Gillespie
Workshops Manager