Feet first for mental health support

FOR the past nine years, emergency service providers have been taking literal steps to raise funds for mental health through the annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.

Now, on Saturday, 10 September, Wendouree CFA will again take part in the event and climb 28 flights of stairs at Melbourne’s Crown Metropol Hotel, in full turn out gear, with proceeds going towards mental health, suicide and post-traumatic stress injury awareness.

Twelve brigade members will participate, including Second Lieutenant Kenneth Mitchell, in what will be his fourth year in the initiative.

“I’m lucky I’m one of the fitter ones on the team, I would like to say, but it’s still a struggle to get up there,” Second Lieutenant Mitchell said.

“It’s not an easy task but you just fight through, get to the top and just die, but it’s an incredible feeling and it’s a really good day that goes to a good cause.

“There’s a real camaraderie to it, and you’re always trying to beat everyone on your team to the top.”

Each firefighter will carry 25 kilograms of equipment, with the overall aim of raising $600,000 for Lifeline, Fortem and the 000 Foundation.

Donations can be made on behalf of stations or individuals and CFA Wendouree has raised over $6000 since first participating in 2018.

A virtual stair climb is available for anyone to take part in, and will run until Saturday, 10 September.

This year’s iteration has raised over $160,000 so far, and CFA Wendouree volunteer Ryan Patrikeos said for him the challenge will serve an additional purpose.

“Mental health issues are a common occurrence for people in emergency services, and there’s a bit of a stigma around it,” he said.

“On a personal note, I’ve struggled with mental health issues before and I think it’s a really important thing to raise awareness for.

“It’s important to get the word out there that it’s okay to speak up if you’re struggling.”

To donate to CFA Wendouree’s effort visit bit.ly/3OSNgHP.