Peace walk held in light of suicide prevention
Community members took to the streets a peaceful walk hosted by LifeJacketSA on June 18.
Co-founders of LifeJacketSA Callen Pulliah and Elmericia Ground spearheaded a peace walk in light of suicide prevention and mental health awareness on June 18.
After numerous reported suicides in the country and at local high schools, LifeJacketSA decided to raise awareness about social-ills through a 5km walk.
Those who took part in the peaceful walk marched through Brackendowns and surrounding areas with the intent to raise awareness about mental health.
LifeJacketSA started in 2018 with the sole purpose of changing the avoidant culture towards mental health awareness, specifically in high schools.
Ground said, “Our main aim is to create a safe space for anybody who feels alone, misunderstood and unheard. It was heartwarming to see everyone unite to spread love and awareness for those who feel like they are fighting depression alone.
“Everyone walked with pride and determination to get the message across.”
The Mulbarton resident also told the RECORD they have previously hosted school presentations, charity drives and events on suicides and other mental health issues.
“We encourage people of all age groups and backgrounds to reach out to us for words of encouragement or advice. They should use us as a way to create awareness for issues that matter to the community. It’s important to highlight that we will not stop here,” said Ground.
Pulliah declared the peace walk, which was held under strict Covid-19 regulations, as a huge success.
“By starting this organisation, we wanted to provide personal relationships with people suffering from mental health and anything associated to it. We found it very important to address suicide in the Alberton area. A topic which is not addressed enough or at all in our schools, at home or even in the newspapers,” he said.
He also thanked all those who took part, as well as the EMPD for their protection on the day.
“We would like to thank each and every single school child who participated in the walk and every adult that stood in solidarity with the youth. We would also like to thank motorists for the support they offered as they drove past,” said Pulliah.
