A mental health charity is calling on Novocastrians to help walk a collective 65,000 kilometres during October for suicide prevention.
Talk2MeBro has organised the fundraiser and Newcastle board member Cal Edwards said the number of kilometres had alarming significance.
"Not a lot of people know this but 65,000 people actually attempt to take their own life every year on average in Australia," Mr Edwards said.
"We've come up with a bit of an initiative to get people out talking and having conversations with each other while also moving their bodies, hand in hand with a bit of physical exercise."
People can register as individuals or teams, and organise their own walks or join community events throughout the month.
"We put on a community walk once per week, and it's a great way to be able to come here and have conversations with new people," Mr Edwards said.
"So this morning we met at 6am at Dixon Park and we walked all the way up to the top of the Anzac walk and then all the way back down to Dixon and then we went grabbed a coffee.
"Around 20 people joined the walk.
"Everyone recorded their kilometres and it helps go towards that 65,000 that we're trying to reach.
"We're just trying to do one per week."
While clocking up the kilometres and raising money, the walks are also the chance for people to share any difficulties they may be facing.
"They can just come out and share a bit of their story or whatever's happening for them in life without that judgement," Mr Edwards said.
"Everyone that's associated with that organisation has huge hearts and is always there for a chat or to listen to someone who's got any struggles."
The month will culminate with a final walk on October 27 at Newcastle Beach and Nobbys Break wall.
"There's a guy within our organisation who actually lost his sister to suicide, and that was her favourite place," Mr Edwards said.
"We will walk in memory of her. But also, it's an opportunity for people to come down here who may have lost someone to suicide in the past, and we do hope to see huge numbers on that morning."
For more information and to donate, visit Talk2MeBro on social media.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.
