Peet staff and communities achieve One Foot Forward goals
Throughout October, Peet staff and communities united to raise over $9,500 for mental health research and log 12,323 kilometres in support of those impacted by mental illness each year by participating in Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward challenge.
Peet’s mental health ambassadors and Perth Scorchers players, Jason Behrendorff and Piepa Cleary, also joined the initiative, inspiring staff with their participation and providing motivational updates across the month.
Our team embraced the challenge, engaging in various activities to keep moving for better mental health outcomes, including group walks during lunch, cycling to and from work and using it as extra motivation for triathlon training.
This year also marked the first time Peet communities came together collectively to support One Foot Forward, with residents participating and many others contributing through generous donations. The initiative has had a lasting impact in the communities, including Flagstone, where a walking group now meets twice weekly to stay active and foster community connection.
“Knowing there were people that lived near me that were striving for the same thing and being part of the walking group as we made our way through the month supporting each other, really gave me a great sense of fulfilment and pride,” said resident Kahla Gough.
Aligned with our commitment to prioritising mental health awareness and education, we also partnered with Black Dog Institute to host mental health workshops within our communities in Brabham and Lakelands in WA and Flagstone in QLD.
These workshops featured powerful lived experience presentations from ex-NRL player Wayne Wigham and Newcastle teacher Bob Sheridan, who cycled over 12,000 kilometres across Australia last year to raise awareness for mental health.
The gatherings offered Peet residents with a supportive environment to share their experiences and learn valuable strategies to support their own mental and physical wellbeing.
For the Brabham Blokes, a group of men in Brabham who donate their time to community initiatives, including events that support positive mental health and wellbeing, these events play a vital role in addressing the stigma surrounding men sharing their mental health concerns.
“With men accounting for nearly 75% of all suicides in the country each year, these workshops are among the most effective tools for not only the men in our community but also for their families to better understand the challenges faced,” said Brabham Blokes President, David Johnston. “It helps in breaking down the barriers.”
We would like to thank everyone who participated and contributed to these important initiatives.
Together, we are making strides toward better mental health awareness and support in our communities.