Workplace Walking Challenge

The ACT CISM Library is at Richardson Support House. The library has folders of articles on stress management, workplace stress management, critical incident management, peer support in different settings, some general mental health issues (from the perspective of providing support mainly).

ACT CISM is a not-for-profit community organisation that many of us volunteer for. They provide a free crisis employee assistance program for community organisations and small business, the library service (they mail out articles in Australia on request), training on these topics, and host several events over the year.

One of these events is the annual Workplace Walking Challenge held on the first Tuesday of May each year. Walkers are asked to donate a gold coin to the Heart Foundation ACT (it is Heart Week). There are prizes for the "Best dressed Teams". The 30 minute walk is held by Lake Burley Griffin. This year six teams entered (including the Richardson Support House Walking Group). ACT CISM hosts the challenge to promote exercise and team building (by walking as a

workplace team) as great stress management strategies. AND it is a lot of fun. It was a terrific day - the weather was just perfect. Highlights were the St Vincent's Team that dressed up for the occasion in heart costumes, the Mental Health Foundation ACT Team with colourful hand knitted jumpers, and the Warehouse Circus Team. The Richardson Support House Team wore their Heart Foundation Walking Group Polo Shirts. Of course, Kylie is already plotting exciting costumes for next year....

Photo: Some of walking teams of 2009