Sophie Bryce

Support My Walk for a Mentally Healthier Australia

All Australians need and deserve both accessible AND effective mental health care.

In August 2024, it was reported that suicide was the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 49 years. We lose more people to suicide than in vehicle related deaths each year. 

Many people that suffer from poor mental health may not even consider self-harm, however if they are not given the chance to seek appropriate treatment, it is highly likely that their health will further deteriorate, and their quality of life will suffer.

This October marks my third year participating in the One Foot Forward challenge to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute. In previous years, I've challenged myself to run 80km throughout the month. This year, running isn't an option for me, so I've set a new goal: walking 100km in October as part of the Upper South Creek AWRC One Foot Forward team. The money raised will go directly towards initiatives that make a real difference, including:

- Collaborating with Primary Health Networks to enhance suicide prevention outcomes.

- Advancing research and clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression to improve access to effective care.

- Partnering with First Nations leaders to co-design culturally safe mental health and suicide prevention programs.

- Developing and testing new, accessible mental health treatments tailored to individual needs.

- Supporting first responders with free, confidential, trauma-informed mental health services.

- Promoting better mental health in workplaces, where many spend a third of their adult lives.

- Creating mentally healthy schools, with a focus on early intervention as 75% of mental health issues emerge before the age of 25.

- Training and supporting health professionals to manage burnout and maintain their own mental health.

It would mean so much to me if you donated to support my walk. Thank you!