The participants, who each live with a range of mental health issues, have been walking weekly since November to simulate the 70 kilometre walk between the two centres in Nowra and Ulladulla. 

They were brought together by Flourish Australia and crossed the finish line at the centre on Wednesday, February 22.

The walking challenge began after the centre received a $1000 grant to spend on healthy living. 

Armed with a Fibit and new shoes, participants hit the pavement.

​Nowra’s Ashley Demech said since becoming involved with Flourish Australia and the Nowra to Ulladulla walking challenge, his life has changed. 

The 24-year-old has found somewhere stable to live, secured part time employment and connected with community and social activities.

“Simple things such as walking and socialising with other people make the days so much better,” Ash said. 

“The more you get involved with social and recreational activities the better you feel. It beats languishing at home or in a hospital bed.

“The walking challenge has been one of many things I’ve done to turn my life around.”

From walks along the river to beach days at Huskisson and Greenwell Point, the group has taken in all the sights of the Shoalhaven while making steps toward better mental health. 

Flourish Australia Shoalhaven Manager Helen Backhouse said the initiative highlighted the benefits of healthy living for mental health and the services available through Flourish Australia. 

“The people who access our services have organised it and they’ve gained so much,” she said.

“You can’t put a value on the physical, social and mental benefits the participants have gained, given that all are people with a lived experience of a mental health issue.

“We live in such a beautiful part of the world and even to have the participants out in that environment in itself is such a healing aspect.”

Ms Backhouse said the centre plans to host another walking event, from ‘Nowra to Batemans Bay’ in July and welcomes other community members to lace up the joggers and get involved. 

“The participants are all very friendly and would love others with mental health issues to join in,” she said. 

Shoalhaven mayor Amanda Findley greeted the walkers as they crossed the finish line.

“Anything that promotes healthy living and social activity in regional areas where isolation and mental health issues can be problems is a good thing,” mayor Findley said.

“It’s important that people find out what help is available.”

The walkers are already looking forward to continuing their healthy lifestyles, with each participant presented with a new pair of joggers from Sportspower Nowra after finishing the challenge. 

For information on how people with mental health issues can benefit, contact Flourish Australia on 9393 9535.