September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the You Matter Walk is an annual suicide awareness and prevention initiative that helps spread the message that 'You Matter' - there is always hope.
The walk has three options: 2.5km, 5km, or 10km, with a water station on the 5km and 10km routes, and visitors are welcome to bring their dogs on leashes to join and support. The day begins at 7am, but participants are welcome to start walking at any time until 12pm.
Beyond the walk, the morning includes talks about mental health from various experts, including clinical psychologists and counsellors from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). The venue, The Big Red Barn, also has a great restaurant with a delicious menu, but visitors are welcome to pack a picnic basket for the day.
Virtual tickets are available to those who wish to support the initiative, and they can do so by walking in their local communities and helping raise suicide awareness.