TREK 4 YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: A yarn with Mark
Recently I had the pleasure of catching up with Mark Gresser from Trek 4 Youth Mental Health when he found himself temporarily stranded in Tibooburra after the rain.
Mark is walking solo and unassisted from the furthest westerly point of Australia to the furthest easterly point. Let that sink in. The whole country. On foot. No vehicle assistance.
He is doing it to challenge himself, to document the journey, and most importantly to support youth mental health.
We sat down for a yarn in Broken Hill and it was too good not to share the full conversation. There might be a bit of ‘Jason waffle’ in there, but stick with it. What Mark has to say is thoughtful, grounded and deeply inspiring.
Mark is raising funds for Batyr, an organisation doing incredible work across Australia helping young people share their stories and create safe spaces for honest conversations about mental health.
When we start talking, we often realise we are not alone. Other people are carrying similar loads. And sometimes that simple act of speaking up opens the door to healing and connection.
Mark still has a long way to go on this walk, so if you have a few spare minutes:
Watch the interview
Donate to Batyr if you can https://www.batyr.com.au/trek4youthmentalhealth
Follow his journey https://www.facebook.com/trek4youthmentalhealth
https://www.instagram.com/trek4youthmentalhealth/
Check out his website: https://trek4youthmentalhealth.com/
Send him some encouragement
It all matters.
Thanks again, Mark, for taking the time to yarn about such an important topic and for walking the talk in the most literal way possible.
If you are struggling or someone you know is struggling with their mental health please reach out.
In Australia you can call 13 11 14 to connect with Lifeline for 24/7 confidential crisis support and suicide prevention. In an emergency or if someone’s life is in immediate danger call 000.
If you are in Broken Hill and would prefer face-to-face support or local counselling, you can contact Lifeline Counselling Service on 08 8087 7525 or visit their centre at 194 Argent Street, Broken Hill NSW 2880.
There is also a local community support organisation, Lifeline Shop helping to fund and support Lifeline services in the region.
#Trek4YouthMentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #BreakTheSilence #JordanLibertyProject