Mental Health Movement ambassadors Dan Hunt, Ashton Sims and Brett Connellan did not let a few drops of rain stop them from joining the Kiama 5 x 5 Walk on Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hunt and his colleagues were keen to join in the initiative that has provided an opportunity for people of all ages in the Kiama community over the last five weeks to be walk through the seaside town.
Kiama 5 x 5 Walk is part of a local program aimed at improving mental health and Wednesday was the last five kilometre walk for the year.
Hunt endorsed the Kiama 5 x 5 Walk because he is aware of just how many benefits can come from regular moderate physical exercise.
"Walking is a great form lifestyle activity that most people can do," he said.
"Walking can improve your mental health while reducing stress and anxiety."
Healthy Cities Illawarra health promotion officer Jessica Seymour said Kiama 5 x 5 walks were not only well attended this year but many people have continued to walk regularly and keep active as a result.
"Each week a dozen people have participated in the walk and we know they've experienced real benefits and are motivated to continue," she said.
"The whole point of the walk was to connect community and talk about physical and mental health wellbeing. We have been doing 5 x 5 walks for almost five years now across the four local government areas in the Illawarra and we will definitely be back in Kiama next year."
Hunt said he and Ms Seymour studied together at university in the past and he was only too happy to bring the Mental Health Movement team down when she sent him an invite. He said it was great to see Healthy Cities Illawarra providing a physical activity with social connection.
"Just being able to chat, meet new people and connect is so good for mental health. I really hope this builds. And at Mental Health Movement we are able to provide awareness and education as well," Hunt said.
Read more:
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.