Walk so kids can talk

Youth and their mental health are the focus of an annual walk in Moncton.

The Walk So Kids Can Talk event raises money for Kids Help Phone.

“We’ve got at least 17 walk sites across the country. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see how many people are coming out to support young people and their mental health. I think it makes a real difference when young people see the communities behind them,” Senior Director Diana Martin explained.

She added that seeing thousands walking to help break down the stigma attached to mental health is very encouraging.

“For a lot of young people, we’re the first person they’re talking to about these issues. It’s anything, it’s big, it’s small. There’s no reason that somebody can’t call Kids Help Phone. Sometimes people worry and ask, ‘Is my problem big enough?’ Absolutely. If it’s bothering you, if it’s causing you stress or worry, it’s absolutely a great reason to contact us,” Martin said.

Registration for the walk can be done in advance or in person at 10 am on May 3 at Riverfront Park.

The walk begins at 11 am.

“If you can’t make it down to Riverfront Park for the walk, you can actually do a virtual walk. You can walk in your neighbourhood. If there’s not a walk where you’re going to be this Sunday, it’s just really about wanting to get people out and get people supporting and getting the word out about the kids’ health phone,” Martin stressed.

She adds that walkers often bring their pets, making it a family affair as well. There are also onsite activities to raise more awareness about the importance of mental health.

For more information, visit the Kids Help Phone website, or if you need to talk, call 1-800-668-6868.