UMatter Awareness has gone from strength to strength in the Hunter Valley. The suicide awareness and prevention voluntary charity received its charity status in the last six months and is now also the official Suicide Prevention Network of Maitland.
Each year the charity holds their Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk at Maitland Park. It’s in memory of Peter and Chelsey – founder Vicki Mendyk’s husband and daughter who were both lost to suicide.
It’s also an opportunity for the community to connect and remember the loved ones they have lost while raising money for UMatter Awareness so they can continue holding pop-up Safe Spaces, run mental health training, plus lots of other events designed to connect the local community and remind everyone that they matter.
The first walk was in 2023 where Vicki and around 60 others walked 67 kilometres – the combined age of Peter and Chelsey. The walk always starts once it’s dark and finishes when the sun comes up the next morning.
“That’s what I say all the time; there’s always the light of a new day. That’s my firm belief, no matter how dark it is, the next day the sun rises. If ever I’m feeling quite down that’s when I think about that,” Vicki said.
This year there’s a group of people, including Vicki’s son Brock who will be walking the entire 12 hours of the event from 8pm on Friday, February 20 until 8am on Saturday morning.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up by Jayden Wright, part of the UMatter crew who wants to get as many people involved as possible.
“This walk is really important to me. Like many people, I’ve seen how suicide impacts families, friends and entire communities.
“Too many people are struggling in silence and sometimes just knowing someone is walking beside you – literally or figuratively – can make a difference,” Jayden said.
“You don’t have to walk the whole 12 hours, even one lap means something. Every step is about connection, awareness and showing up even when it feels like the world is crashing in around you.
“The funds we raise will help keep important conversations going and provide support to those who need it most.”
| You can donate to the Go Fund Me Page by searching “U Matter Awareness 12 hour walk” on Go Fund Me. Follow UMatter on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date. If you need help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978 |
