Ara student puts one foot in front of the other for Youthline

_{Personal experience and a drive to help others are behind Oz's mission to support Youthline's Walk The Talk campaign.}

Mental health challenges can make putting your feet on the floor every day a significant hurdle.

Having come through those challenges, Ara Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education ākonga Oz Harnett (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou) is putting his feet to work to help others in Youthline NZ's Walk the Talk fundraiser.

For 30 days, participants commit to moving every day while raising funds for the charity’s 24/7 helpline service, which supports young people across Aotearoa.

For Oz, the challenge is personal.

Four years ago, he lost his mother to suicide and subsequently experienced significant mental health struggles of his own.

"During the weakest era of my mental health, the hardest part of my day was getting out of bed," he said.

"Through some of my lowest days, I used Youthline and 1737 for guidance and someone to talk to. Walk The Talk supports the very hotline I used when my health was at its lowest, so I wanted to give something back."

Oz has set himself a goal of running at least 100 kilometres throughout September, with ambitions to reach 200 kilometres if fundraising exceeds expectations. His initial target is to run 100 metres for every dollar donated.

Now in the third year of his Ara degree, Oz is a strong advocate for mental health and wellbeing. He’s spoken at a Voices of Hope event for young people at Burnside High School and recently began a placement at Te Puna Wai Ō Tuhinapo Youth Justice Residence, where he supports activity and adventure-based learning programmes.

Through both his studies and community work, he’s seen the challenges many young people face.

"You realise how much support some young people need and how important it is that services like Youthline are there when they reach out," he said.

Oz is also passionate about the role the outdoors can play in supporting wellbeing.

"I've found the outdoors to be a safe and honest space for healing and improving hauora. I hope this fundraiser helps raise awareness of alternative ways people can support their mental health while also helping Youthline continue the work they do every day."

His fundraising efforts follow his participation in Ara's recent men's wellbeing noho, which brought tauira together to connect, reflect and strengthen their hauora.

By the end of September, Oz hopes every step he takes will help ensure another young person can access support when they need it most.

"Thirty days won't always be easy, but every step can make a difference in someone's life."
Somehow, it looks like he’ll take it in his stride. Day one and he’s already notched up 12ks with a jog around Heathcote and Sumner.

Support Oz's challenge though his fundraising page here: Oz Harnett Walk the Talk.  

Where to get help: Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234. Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak with a trained counsellor. In an emergency, call 111.