Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon promotes peer support

The Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon aims to raise awareness of the importance of connectedness, getting kids out walking and talking rather than staring at phones.

Schools across the country will be hosting their own Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon which is a new nationwide initiative by Peer Support Australia.

The Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon invites students to put down their phones, connect with their peers face to face and get some exercise. It’s a great platform to demonstrate the simplicity with which students can contribute to their wellbeing.

CEO of Peer Support Australia, Greg Cantwell says “it’s important children and young people feel safe, connected and supported at school and within the wider community. We know young people connect and chat through their devices but this can’t replace the need for connecting with others through face-to-face conversation.

“The simple act of starting a conversation with someone new can lead to wonderful benefits of expanding networks, celebrating differences, discovering similarities and making it easier for students to seek help when they need it. Initiating conversations becomes easier if provided with the skills and opportunities to practice them,” he said. 

The Talk-and-Walk-a-Thon has been designed to upskill students, provide an opportunity to form new connections and to experience the powerful effects of exercise on mood and wellbeing.

Schools, classes, or even year levels are encouraged to host their own Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon in the coming weeks. This is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing in young people across the country.

For almost 50 years Peer Support Australia has provided essential support to Australian schools to positively impact the wellbeing of children and young people. Healthier relationships, positive school culture and improved student wellbeing can be cultivated by:

• Providing students with Social and Emotional knowledge and skills
• Partnering with parents to develop a shared language for guiding students through emotional responses and interactions with others
• Supporting teachers to value student voice; and involve students in decisions about their school and learning.

Visit the Peer Support Australia website for more information and to register https://peersupport.edu.au/