Civic2Surf: Smashing the stigma of youth mental health

Posted on 1 October, 2015

This Friday 2 October, 60 Australian National University students will embark on a 340 kilometre journey from Canberra to Bondi Beach in just 24 hours, all in the name of mental health.

This year, Civic2Surf is aiming to raise $50,000 for Batyr, a charity started by Sebastian Robertson, ANU Young Alumnus of the Year 2013. In 2011, after hearing Sebastian speak openly and frankly at the ANU about his personal battle with depression, six of Sebastian’s friends wanted to show their commitment to changing attitudes about mental health and raise funds for Batyr. They decided to undertake the epic challenge of running from Canberra to Sydney in six days.

Zach Mackey, President of the 2015 Civic2Surf organising committee, explains that Batyr “focus on preventative education for young people’s mental health, by providing programs that train young people to speak about their personal experiences and then share that story to others in schools and universities. This engages young people, as well as empowering them to reach out for help and support, but also to speak to each other and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Since it’s conception in 2011, Civic2Surf has changed slightly, broadening from six to 60 students from the ANU, who will run 5km each in a relay format and will then be joined in Bondi Beach by students from the University of Sydney, who will run from Palm Beach to show their support.

“Unfortunately,” says Zach, “there still remains a stigma surrounding mental illness, and people are still uncomfortable talking about it. This is why we complete the run each year – to break down those barriers and spread the word that it is ok not to be ok, and it is even better to talk to friends and family.”

“Apart from the money we raise, on a personal level at university and in friendship groups, we are making a statement. The run and lead-in events and trainings is a great way to meet new people and build a increased sense of community around the universities, enabling a greater opportunity to have the needed conversations between students about mental health”.

The fundraising by Civic2Surf and the work of Batyr and the ANU administration has resulted in the establishment of a Batyr chapter on the ANU campus, enabling programs to be offered on campus where people who have experienced mental illness can share their stories and inspire others.

Civic2Surf is run and organised completely by students, who in the lead up to the event have been doing two training sessions per week.

Sally Fisher, one of the Civic2Surf trainers, says “I got involved in Civic2Surf because it’s a fantastic student led initiative that takes a practical step towards smashing the stigma on mental health issues. The runs have encouraged people to get out of the library and come for a jog. Getting outdoors, spreading the word and donating to support Batyr has been fun and fulfilling. I’m really looking forward to sharing the excitement of the event with the team!”

In addition to raising awareness and funds for mental health, the event provides a strong sense of personal satisfaction to organisers, participants and supporters alike.

“From 2012 when 70 ANU students took part in the first 24 hour relay and raising $40,000 to 2013 where the University of Sydney was involved and 2014 which saw students from the Australian Defence Force Academy, to now, is humbling to have been a part of. To know that so many people have made a difference and will continue to do so,” says Zach.

If you’re inspired and would like to show your support for Civic2Surf, there are a number of ways to do just that.

Sponsorship Director Robert Bower explains “we have an online portal via Chuffed where you can donate, or even just turning up on the afternoon of the 3rd down at Bondi to cheer the runners in after 340km would be amazing! We are aiming to raise $50,000 this year and would love any and all support in any way, shape or form.”

Donations can be made here.