CAIRNS locals are encouraged to spend some of their Sunday raising awareness for mental health issues with the inaugural Lift the Lid fundraising walk set to take place this weekend.
The Lift the Lid on Mental Health Cairns fundraising walk is a venture by the Combined Rotary Clubs of Cairns, in support of raising awareness of mental health.
The original walk for mental health was the brainchild of passionate mental health advocate Vicki Stewart, past president and long-time member of the Rotary Club of Mooloolaba.
The walk beneficiary is Australian Rotary Health (ARH) which has provided funding for mental illness through research project grants, more than $6 million has been awarded between 1988 and 2000. Grants are currently awarded to projects up to $70,000 per annum.
Combined Rotary Clubs of Cairns spokesperson Layne Gardiner said the clubs decided to host the walk to raise public awareness of the effect of mental illness on many people in the community.
“This is a great project because it raises much needed funds for the ARH mental health research,” he said.
“It also offers an opportunity to raise awareness of and support those in our community experiencing mental health issues.
“It also helps break down the barriers and stigma associated with mental health .”
In 2012 the walk’s focus narrowed to the mental health of young Australians and in 2023 the focus will be the mental health of Australians 0-12 years old.
The Cairns Lift the Lid on Mental Health Walk is on this Sunday 24 September, commencing at the northern end of the Esplanade near the corner of Smith St.
Registration for all walkers commences at 7.30am and the walk begins at 9.00am.
The course is 2.2 km to 5 km, with nominations of $30 and is wheelchair and dog friendly.
All participants who nominate receive Lift the Lid T-shirt for early nominations or a Lift the Lid cap for later nominations.
Children under 15 are free and a sausage sizzle for all walkers will also be provided.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Chalumbin Wind Farm redesigned and Encouraging international students to choose Cairns.