Pawsitive Steps: Join the walk for mental health

In support for mental health patients and the institutions that help them, Pawsitive Steps (28 August 2016) is an annual event where owners and their dogs go through a 2km walk cum obstacle course for a good cause. Although held in New South Wales, Australia, click here to find out how you can support the event from Singapore.
Pets Team 19 July 2016

Organised by business and volunteer groups of the Hills District, the Pawsitive Steps event first began in October 2011 as an initiative from Mind Connections Specialist Mental Health Services. It aims to raise awareness about mental health issues that affect the community in Australia. This year, it will be held on 28 August 2016, from 9am to 1pm, at the Dog Arena Castle Hill Showground.

The fun, family walk has a distance of 2km and for every 200m, there will be obstacles—each symbolising a mental illness—like Doggy Tunnels, Tug of War, Sled Pull, Doggy Situps, and Doggy Yoga for you and your pooch to participate in! This year, four different gyms and fitness-related businesses will conduct the walk, and dog handlers (courtesy of Agility Club NSW) will be available to assist participants. All registered walkers will also be provided with breakfast from the local North Rocks Rotary Club. And after the walk, they are encouraged to give the Health and Wellbeing Expo a visit—it’s free of charge!

All the funds raised will be donated to aid the mental health issues in Hills Shire Community. According to the official website, the efforts include:

  • Community education programs to educate communities who are more vulnerable to mental illness.

  • Skill development support on longer term mentally ill individuals with Group Programs.

  • Organise community awareness programs such as mental health awareness walks to reduce stigma related to mental illness.

  • Distribution of education materials related to good mental health, mental illnesses and suicide prevention.

  • Work in partnership with other mental health and related Government and non-governmental organisations.

  • Organise charity fund raising events to create awareness and raise funds for mental health related needs.

  • Lobby governments and local politicians to meet mental health needs in the local community.

  • Donate funds to families when it is necessary for training needs of individual with a mental illness.

 

Paw-rents have plans to travel to New South Wales, Australia in August, please consider joining this worthy cause! Even if you can’t bring Fido along, you can still sign up to support to event and participate in its activities. Stay in sunny Singapore? Make a donation at www.pawsitivesteps.com.au/donations.

For registration and more information, please visit www.pawsitivesteps.com.au.