Walking Off the War Within is extending its reach with six sites across the nation, while in Ballarat the course for next month's event will get tighter for both more support and increased awareness.

Participants will walk a two-kilometre loop in St Patrick's College, including those doing the ultimate challenge of 20km while carrying a 20-kilogram pack. Supporters can see and cheer their friends and family more often on the journey.

The walk's origins are in highlighting post-traumatic stress disorder among emergency service and military personnel.

Now entering its third year, Ballarat City firefighter and event co-organiser Josh Martin said more community partners were getting involved and this was the direction the event needed to now take.

"We're strengthening the family connections of the event even more," Mr Martin said. "If someone is suffering with PTSD then their family is suffering with it too.

Walking Off the War Within launched in an official function with AFL identities and mental health advocates Glenn Manton and Danny Frawley.

READ MORE: Glenn Manton's talk for thought - why you should slow down

The event started two years ago when an army of people took to Victoria Park to honour Ballarat-raised firefighter and former soldier Nathan Shanahan, who took his own life in December 2016. 

Shanahan had been a fierce advocate in rallying attention to those silently struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. A year before his death, Nathan had walked 400-kilometres for the cause.

The event adopted a stronger family-friendly focus last year in a move praised by Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network chairman Des Hudson, who is also a policeman and councillor.

"It's important when children grow up in an environment where mum or dad might not be well that they understand there are issues and this shouldn't be hidden away," Leading Senior Constable Hudson said.

The state's leading emergency services personnel are also stepping out for the walk, including Victorian emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp, CFA chief officer Steve Warrington and State Emergency Service assistant chief officer Stephen Warren.

Leading Senior Constable Hudson said it was important to bring mental health issues into community attention and such leaders, as well as community leaders participating, emphasised this.

Walking Off the War Within supports mental health researcher Black Dog Institute, Lifeline and Soldier On.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Walking Off the War Within's Ballarat challenge is at St Patrick's College on March 23.

More: walkingoffww.com