By Alesha Capone
Sonia Owen is stepping up for mental health.
Ms Owen, a volunteer firefighter with the Wyndham Vale CFA, is among hundreds of emergency services personnel taking part in the Million Steps for Mental Health.
The campaign – which began last month on R U OK Day and will finish on World Health Day, October 10 – asks participants to complete 3046 steps within the timeframe, in return for donations.
3046 is the number of Australians who lose their lives to suicide in 2018.
This year, Million Steps for Mental Health is aiming to raise $500,000 for Lifeline, the Black Dog Institute and the 000 Foundation.
Ms Owen said that she was hoping to raise $300 for the campaign.
She has completed a lot of her steps by stepping up and down on the side of a treadmill at home, and also at a local park with her three children.
She said her daughter Ally, 14, was especially keen to join in.
“Ally is a junior firefighter at Werribee, she plans to follow my lead,” Ms Owen said.
“She’s doing the steps with me but can’t officially join the event, as you have to be 18.”
Ms Owen said she was “very passionate” about mental health.
She said that within the Wyndham CFA, there was a “strong culture” of support which includes members debriefing and helping each other out.
Ms Owen said some of the older firefighters, who have several years of experience under their belts, have seen harrowing sights while attending emergencies such as car crashes and fires.
To donate to Ms Owen’s efforts, see bit.ly/2RThTC3
