This Saturday's Walking Off the War Within isn't just an opportunity to start conversations about mental health, it's also a chance for emergency service workers, and armed forces personnel and veterans, to get together for the first time in quite a while.
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Organised in honour of soldier and firefighter Nathan Shanahan, who died by suicide after pushing to engage others about mental health, the event includes a walk around St Patrick's College oval.
Event MC and Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Wayne Rigg said it's a good excuse to get out in the fresh air - either for a two kilometre lap, or the full 20km challenge.
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"There's no doubt that particularly the year that's been, the lockdown and challenges we've faced, combine that with ongoing pressures and experiences that emergency services personnel and defence force personnel face, bringing everyone together for this day is really important so people know they don't have to walk alone, and they can talk about mental health, and it's not a taboo subject," he said.
"This day provides an opportunity to bring a really serious subject and shine a light on some really dark places in a carnival-type atmosphere."
As well as vehicle set-ups and displays from support services, two helicopters will be dropping in as well on Friday afternoon.
There'll also be a choir and DJs performing through the day.
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"We're encouraging everyone to come along - just pop in, have a bite to eat, have a coffee, see what's there," Commander Rigg said.
"Those small bits and pieces make a difference, because there's no doubt - if you spoke to anyone there, just about everyone would have a story of someone they know that have faced mental health challenges, or touched by suicide or PTSD.
"It's time for blokes in particular to talk about it and seek the help they need - it sounds easy, but if a day like Saturday helps anyone - friends, family, work colleagues - the day's worthwhile."
If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.
Help is also available, but not limited, via the following organisations. The key message is you are not alone.
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
- Veterans support: Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au
- Mensline: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
- Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535
- Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321
- headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- Soldier On: 1300 620 380
- Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500
- QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people)
- Family violence: 1800 RESPECT
- Ballarat Mental Health Services: 5320 4100 or after hours on 1300 247 647
- For Aboriginal crisis support: Yarning SafeNStrong, 1800 959 563 (24/7)
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