Peet staff and communities to walk in solidarity for mental health
This October, Peet staff and communities will come together to participate in One Foot Forward, a free virtual walking event organised by Black Dog Institute.
The annual event helps show the 1 in 5 Australians who experience a mental illness each year that they are not alone, while also raising funds for crucial mental health research and support services.
This year marks the third year our staff will be participating in the challenge, with the invitation to walk, run or roll extended to communities in Googong, Flagstone, Lakelands Estate, Brabham, Golden Bay, Yanchep Golf Estate, Elavale, Shorehaven, Burns Beach, Movida Estate and The Village at Wellard.
They will be joined by Peet mental health ambassadors and Perth Scorchers players, Jason Behrendorff and Piepa Cleary.
“Keeping active is crucial for me,” said Piepa. “It keeps me in a strong place mentally and allows me to switch off whether I’m out on a run or walk.”
“As a Peet mental health ambassador, being able to connect with different people in the community, share my own experiences as well as listen to their stories is extremely important to me. The biggest learning I’ve had in my time as an ambassador is that there is so much great support out there and that we’re all in it together”.
Jason shared a similar sentiment.
“As a cricketer, being active is naturally a huge part of my life and from a personal experience, I know how important staying active is to help keep my mental health in check as well,” he said.
“Being a mental health ambassador for Peet is something that I’m very passionate about. I hope that by opening up about my personal struggles and challenges, I can positively impact others. That’s why I’m proud to be involved with One Foot Forward this year.”
Peet’s partnership with Black Dog Institute, a not-for-profit medical research institute, aligns with our commitment to fostering places of belonging and supporting causes that can have a meaningful impact on the life of our residents and staff.
The partnership provides vital funding to the institute, creating long term, positive social impact across the country.
“We are really proud of what we have been able to build through our staff participation in One Foot Forward over the past couple of years and are excited to be able to extend the opportunity to our communities this October,” said Peet Managing Director and CEO, Brendan Gore.
“Being part of One Foot Forward allows us to unite as a community to show those who are struggling with their mental health that we care, that we are part of the discussion and that we want to make a difference.”
Peet will also partner with Black Dog Institute to facilitate educational sessions within Peet communities throughout October, providing our residents with the opportunity to learn how best to support their own mental wellbeing and that of those close to them, including practical advice on reaching out for help when needed.
“Through One Foot Forward, we are encouraging communities to get moving together in solidarity,” said Katy Mackay, Head of Fundraising and Supporter Engagement at Black Dog Institute.
“We love seeing how our partner, Peet, have emulated this message, and are unifying their staff and residential communities to raise funds and awareness for better mental health. We are excited to see Peet communities across the nation walk, run and roll together to show people who experience mental illness that we’re in this together.”
To register for One Foot Forward, visit onefootforward.org.au