SOCIAL connections, discussion, banter, exercise and play are all foundation pillars of young peoples’ mental health. It’s also what has suffered most as a result of Coronavirus lockdowns.
Australian children have been experiencing heightened levels of loneliness and isolation during COVID-19 lockdowns, with 40 percent of young people reporting concern for their mental health during the pandemic.
To combat this and following the success of the event in 2019, Peer Support Australia is encouraging Greater Shepparton schools to participate in the annual Talk-and-Walk-a-Thon, encouraging students to foster stronger relationships with their peers.
Greg Cantwell, chief executive officer of Peer Support Australia, an organisation providing support to schools to positively impact the wellbeing of children and young people, said this event is now more important than ever.
“Our program has always been important but the mental health effects on school-aged children during COVID-19 have been even more prominent this year,” Mr Cantwell said.
“The 2020 Talk-and-Walk-a-Thon encourages students to talk to their peers and build relationships, which after a year of social distancing and disruption is much needed in Australian schools.”
The event combines a traditional walk-a-thon with aspects of relationship building and mental wellbeing.
During the walk, students are encouraged to talk to their peers, develop new friendships and strengthen their relationships within their school community.
The purpose of the Talk-and-Walk-a-Thon is to encourage communication and exercise, which are vital building blocks towards good mental health.
“This year has been an unsettling time for students and teachers alike,” Mr Cantwell said.
“We are especially encouraging schools that are recommencing in-person teaching to use the Talk-and-Walk-a-Thon as an opportunity for students to reconnect.”
The 2020 Talk-and-Walk-a-Thon event coincides with National Mental Health Month, which is this October.
