National Mental Health Month is an initiative of the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) to advocate for and raise awareness of Australian mental health. It is an important time where the Australian community comes together to raise awareness that #MentalHealthMatters.
Throughout this month, many events have been organised in each state of Australia aiming to attract and unite Australians of all ages and backgrounds to raise awareness of better mental health for all.
Our biggest and most successful event has always been our “Walk for Mental Health.” The walk was first established in Victoria in 2017 and was expanded to a nationwide walk in 2019. In 2020, the Mental Health Foundation Australia was successful in coordinating physical walks in every capital city nationwide! Besides our physical walks held according to COVID-19 restrictions, the MHFA also held a virtual National Walk to reach out to more Australians. This allowed our walk to be expanded into the regions, with walking groups participating in key regional hubs including Ballarat, Uralla, and Townsville.
We are extremely proud of this achievement, having reached out to more than 10 million Australians during our campaign, but also having reached 100,000 individuals walking with us for mental health on the 18th of October, 2020! Despite the challenges of COVID-19 this year, The Mental Health Foundation Australia was determined to deliver our annual walk, especially due to the increase and exacerbation of mental health issues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We can proudly say this initiative was delivered this year, bigger and better.
We would like to thank all Australians for their support towards our Walk for Mental Health event. Our community-based movement has made this a unique and historic event. Thank you also for supporting the fact that #MentalHealthMatters and for taking steps towards better mental health with us.
Kind regards,
Vasan Srinivasan Chairperson — Mental Health Foundation Australia FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: MHFA Office — 1300 643 287(1300 MHF AUS); media@mhfa.org.au
