AFTER losing to two nephews to suicide, Stawell resident Justin Chester decided do something about the growing mental health concerns in regional communities.
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What he came up with was a challenge of massive proportions. Dubbed Justin’s Walk for Mental Health, Mr Chester walked from Horsham to Naracoorte last month to raise funds for beyondblue, and remember his nephews Josh Finlay and Ben Jolley.
“I started thinking about ways I could raise awareness in the community and what things I could do to reduce the suicide numbers. I like to walk and thought that it would be a good way to involve the community,” he said.
“The walk ended up taking me four days. On the first I walked 63 kilometres, the second I walked 30 kilometres to reach Edenhope, the third day I walked 30 kilometres to the South Australian border and then the last day I completed the final 22 kilometres into Naracoorte.
“The first day was pretty hard; my feet were really sore by the end. The whole walk was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but it was all in the memory of Josh and Ben.”
Through tin shaking, donations and an auction night at Naracoorte’s Kincraig Hotel, the challenge helped Mr Chester raise more than $10,000 for beyondblue
“I would like to thank everyone who followed my journey – whether that was by sharing a Facebook post or donating,” he said.
“I had some people pull over on the side of the road and give me money while I was walking. Some would even stop and have a chat about their own mental health struggles and the importance of talking about mental health.”
Mr Chester said he hadn’t ruled out more fundraisers in the future.
“With it being such a big success, it’s definitely not something I would rule out. We’re still taking donations on the everyday hero page too; people have been so generous.”
He said mental health was a growing concern in regional communities.
“Strengthening support tools and getting smaller communities more focused on these issues is one way we can combat this. Maybe by having more places where people can tap into,” he said.
“This is all about emphasising to people who are experiencing mental health issues that there is help out and that they shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed by it.
“The main thing is to get people talking. There needs to be more done in regional communities to help people reach out and help them get out of that dark place.”
To support Justin’s Walk for Mental Health, head to his Facebook page or donate to Ben Jolley’s memorial account.
If this story has brought up any issues for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.