Lift the Lid Walk Highlights

THE Lift the Lid Walk Physical Health for Mental Health campaign continues to expand across Australia. By the end of this summer, we would have seen walk events take place in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The walk and talk format is deliberately not a race, but gives an opportunity for locals to get together and raise awareness of the serious mental health issues we all face. Moreover, physical exercise is vital for mental health as it improves mood, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boosts self-esteem. Exercise releases mood-enhancing endorphins and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. Regular physical activity can be a natural way to support and improve overall mental health.

The Lift the Lid Walk initiative has raised over $150,000 for mental health research so far. ARH

Rotarians Hike to Raise $16k for Mental Health Research

ACROSS five days, a group of Rotarians and non-Rotarians from South Australia and Victoria were given the chance of a lifetime to walk selected highlights of the iconic Heysen Trail to raise money for mental health research and our Lift the Lid on Mental Illness campaign. They covered over 78km!

With the support of the ARH district committee, the Rotary Clubs of Glenelg, Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay, Goolwa, Strathalbyn, Mount Barker, Stirling, Gawler Light, McLaren Vale, Adelaide, Waikerie and Wendouree Breakfast, the Heysen Trail Trek raised not only public awareness of our Lift the Lid campaign but over $16,000 for mental health research!

With 11 walkers and 2 guides, they met at the end of each day with nearby Rotary clubs, who provided an evening meal, bed, and breakfast in their homes, before dropping their guests to the next day’s starting point. New friendships were made, thoughts were shared and respect earned. It soon became apparent that this trek had huge benefits on the mental wellbeing of the walkers, who were profiting not just from exercising in the open air but by getting away from the pressures of life. ARH