Alan Thorpe, a prominent advocate for men’s mental health, is set to embark on a 90-kilometre walk from Ballarat to Geelong to raise awareness for an important community event this month. This one-day trek follows his recent 800-kilometre journey to Canberra and aims to highlight the upcoming fourth annual Men’s Mental Health Family Fun Day at the Geelong Showgrounds on December 21, 2023.
Mr. Thorpe’s advocacy work has yielded significant results, including raising over $80,000 for mental health services through his long-distance walks. His mission is deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences with mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. He has faced numerous hardships, such as the breakdown of his marriage, loss of custody of his children, homelessness, and business failure. Through it all, he credits walking as a vital tool in managing his mental health.
Walking as a Lifeline
“Every day can be a tough time; walking is just how I push through it,” Mr. Thorpe stated. He noticed a profound change after starting to walk, quickly progressing to completing over 20 kilometres at a time. Inspired by his journey, he decided to walk to raise awareness about men’s mental health issues.
Mr. Thorpe highlights a staggering statistic: “Every three hours in Australia, a man takes his own life. It’s a bigger tragedy than road tolls; it’s an emergency that needs urgent attention.” He acknowledges that while he still faces challenges, walking has positively impacted both his mental and physical well-being.
Community Engagement and Support
The Men’s Mental Health Family Fun Day, organized by local advocate Troy Koerntjes, aims to unite families, community groups, and supporters. The event will feature a variety of activities, including carnival rides, market stalls, live music, and a bike, car, and ute show. This gathering not only provides entertainment but also serves to foster awareness and conversation around men’s mental health issues.
For those interested in attending, more information can be found at geelongaustralia.com.au/events. Mr. Thorpe’s commitment to raising awareness through his physical challenges illustrates the importance of community support for mental health initiatives. His story serves as a reminder of the power of personal experience in advocating for change and the need for ongoing conversations about mental health in society.
