A group of people who grew up in Bawley Point have formed a team to run the Canberra marathon while raising funds for R U OK?
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Amanda Skwarko, Sarah Queenan, Clinton Handebo and Michael Austin are running various distances in the Canberra marathon, held in April.
Team "Together Brings Strength" were motivated by the recent bushfire crisis that seriously impacted their hometown and homes of friends. They want to assist R U OK? and raise funds as it addresses the impacts on mental health.
"If you notice a neighbour, friend, colleague or someone else you know who has been impacted by the fires is struggling - you can help by having a chat with them and simply asking R U OK."
R U OK? CEO Kathrine Newton praised Team Together Brings Strength for its assistance in encouraging peer support through the whole fire-impacted coastline communities.
"On behalf of R U OK? we would like to express our grateful thanks to the emergency services workers, defence personnel, volunteers, crisis support teams, logistics staff and all those providing assistance to those affected by the bushfires.
"The scale of this disaster is immense, and the impact is being felt in communities around Australia. The long-term impact will be far reaching, and we urge everyone to reach out and offer support to your friends, family and colleagues who might be struggling. It's important to keep checking back in to lend support during the recovery phase - which can look very different to different people. No one size fits all so keep open-minded and be there for the long haul. for as long as it takes.
"Support from Team 'Together Brings Strength' will help us encourage peer support through whole-of-community approaches and will assist us in achieving our vision of a world where everyone feels connected and protected from suicide."