The 5km mental health walk and wellness fair will be hosted by the KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group Rivendri Govender, in green, of the KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group, showsvolunteers around Durban’s North Beach in preparation for the annual walk on October 6. Picture: Supplied
Besides our beautiful beach, come and enjoy the therapeutic sunlight.
This was the invitation by Professor Suvira Ramlall, who is spearheading the ninth annual KZN mental health walk and wellness fair on October 6 at the North Beach amphitheatre opposite the Elangeni Hotel.
“One of the reasons why the walk is so close to my heart is that it’s one of the few public events where our emotional needs are given attention,” said Ramlall, a psychiatrist and lecturer.
The 5km walk will be hosted by the KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group. More than 20 organisations will also interact with the public and raise awareness on psychosocial services in the province, including the Islamic Medical Association, the Advice Desk for the Abused, the Alzheimer’s association, the national blood service, and KZN Department of Health.
Suntosh Pillay, who co-founded the advocacy group with Ramlall, said: “I can’t believe we’ve been doing this for nine years, and almost 1 000 people attended in 2023. It’s really inspiring to get the kind of public support we do. This entire event is run on sponsorships and our private partners have really stepped up for mental health.”
Early birds can attend the mindfulness meditation and stretching sessions from 8am, but the walk itself starts at 9am. Medals will be given at the halfway point.
Fruit, bottled water, and caps will also be handed out, and participants can also enjoy free 30-minute sessions of aerobics, Zumba, yoga, kickboxing, and dancing.
Local actor and comedian Rory Booth will be the MC.
Walkers are encouraged to wear green in support of October being mental health month.
For more information or to register, email MHadvocacygroup@gmail.com or WhatsApp/call 074 603 0300.
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