Walking Feat is a part of ING DIRECT’s Dreamstarter initiative which provides funding support to selected StartSomeGood campaigns. Dreamstarter is ING DIRECT’s way of getting behind some of Australia’s most inspiring go-getters who are eager to make
a positive change in Australian communities. Learn more about Dreamstarter at our website.
Our current Walking Feat project aims to create a supportive and interactive online community of change makers in the mental health landscape. Through this community Walking Feat will provide education modules
about how to reduce stigma, public speaking skills, how to put on awareness events, and self-care strategies. To set this up we need $10 000.
There are thousands of local heroes across Australia who have been touched by mental health issues. The amount of people affected by mental health issues is increasing rapidly.
Mental health issues will affect 45% of people once in their life time.
Many Australian change makers in the mental health landscape;
- Are bereaved by suicide
- Love and care for someone living with a mental health issue
- Have experienced a mental health issue
- Are experiencing a mental health issue
- Will experience a mental health issue
These people are an incredibly valuable resource.
Why?
Because their wounds are deep. Their wounds stem from;
*Prejudiced attitudes
*Stigma
*Discrimination
*Shame
*Witnessing loved ones suffering from all of the above
In response to the depth of their wounds, these amazing heroes humbly give countless hours towards making a difference within their communities, in an effort to reduce suffering for their fellow humans.
These people have;
- Courage to speak up
- Strength to stand tall
- Hope that their actions will contribute towards a better future for all affected by mental illness
- Passion and drive to keep working at making a positive difference
- Meaning and purpose in their lives
The Problem
These Australians;
- Are at a high risk of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout- because they become the local go-to person in their towns, and frequently hear traumatic stories from within their communities
- Feel isolated in their mission- not knowing there are thousands of Australias walking the same path
- Have no way of connecting with other mental health heroes
- Often are so passionate about making a positive difference that they prioritise the cause above their own self-care
- Are not aware of all the events, initiatives, programs, successes and failures that others in their same position have achieved.
The Solution
A world first, online, dynamic community for Australians who want to make a positive difference for all affected by mental health issues in their communities
This online community will provide Australian change makers in the mental health landscape with;
A place to unite and create a powerful, national voice
A supportive forum for people who want to dip their toes in the change making space, to ask questions, get advice, see what is happening across Australia
A space to share projects, visions, successes and failures
A space to grow in numbers thus in strength and impact
An empowering and supportive network of people who understand the challenges and rewards of a chage maker in the mental health landscape
Education about: how to share your personal story safely; priortising self-care; public speaking tips and tricks; event management
Opportunities to collaborate, skill share, share wisdom, seek mentorship, ask for support and promote events and ideas
Call to Action
Thousands of Australians are working hard to make a difference for all affected by mental health issues.
They are not connected, they are not supported, they do not have access to education specific to mental health change makers.
Our solution is to change this by creating an online community of people across Australia, with access to education, networking and collaboration opportunities.
Every Step You Take Counts!
1. Donate money towards the cost of our community
2. Help us create our community by using our share buttons
3. Blog about us
4. Use a widget
5. Reach out to your friends in a personal email about our project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkingFeat
