Coffs Coast locals encouraged to walk to work for mental health campaign

WALK to Work Day will take place on Friday, 26 March, encouraging Australians to build more walking into their daily routines while raising funds for better mental health outcomes nationwide.

The annual campaign, led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of walking and this year supports the Black Dog Institute.

Every health professional promotes walking as beneficial to physical health, and the Walk to Work Day campaign also draws attention to the positive impact regular walking can have on mental wellbeing.

As part of the refreshed campaign, individuals, workplace teams and businesses are encouraged not only to walk, but to fundraise together between now and 27 March to support better mental health outcomes nationwide.

Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby said the partnership with Black Dog Institute was a natural fit and an exciting evolution for the campaign.

“We are thrilled to partner with Black Dog Institute.

“Given the benefits a simple walk can have on mental health issues like anxiety, depression and stress – we hope this simple reminder will go a long way in getting Australia’s working population to walk more, not just on Walk to Work Day, but every day,” he said.

The latest research from Black Dog Institute estimates that mental illness costs businesses more than $39 billion each year through lost productivity, absenteeism and staff turnover.

Around one in five Australians experience a mental illness each year, yet almost half will not seek professional help.

Black Dog Institute Fundraising Director Laura Edwards said regular physical activity plays a powerful role in supporting mental health.

“Engaging in exercise has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression, including major depressive disorder, with studies finding that walking for an hour a day can reduce the risk of major depression by up to 26 per cent.

“This is because exercise promotes positive changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation and new activity patterns that support calm, focus and overall wellbeing,” Ms Edwards said.

Ms Edwards suggests workplaces have an important role to play in creating mentally healthy environments.

“Initiatives like Walk to Work Day are a simple and cost-effective way for organisations to prioritise wellbeing while supporting positive, sustainable habits with their employees.”

The initiative can result in a happier workplace with “significant savings to your bottom line,” she said.

Mr Scruby said Walk to Work Day offers flexibility for people to take part in ways that suit their routine.

Many people can park some distance from work and walk, get off public transport a stop or two earlier, or go for a walk during their lunch break.

“There are so many benefits to walking more every day,” he said.

“As an added incentive, we’re asking Australia’s workforce to come together to raise funds for Black Dog Institute, using Walk to Work Day as a catalyst for positive change,” he said.

Working Australians are encouraged to get involved by forming workplace walking groups, introducing walking meetings or lunchtime walks.

Setting personal or team step challenges, and inviting employers, colleagues, friends and family to support their walk through donations is said to make a difference.

Now in its 27th year, Walk to Work Day continues to encourage Australians to build walking into everyday life, with benefits extending well beyond mental health.

More information, including how to fundraise, is available at www.walk.com.au.

By Andrew VIVIAN