Around 120 young men from Clontarf academies across Far North Queensland came together on the Cairns Esplanade recently for the annual Clontarf Mental Health Fun Run. The morning was a chance to get active, spend time with mates and talk about the importance of looking after yourself and each other.
The Cairns Esplanade was full of energy last Friday as boys from across the FNQ region took part in the annual Clontarf Mental Health Fun Run. With academy members, staff, local partners and community supporters all involved, the event created a positive space for young men to get active, spend time with their mates and enjoy the morning together.
While the run was a great way to get active, the message behind the event was even more important. The morning encouraged boys to think about their own wellbeing, the people they can turn to for support and the role they can play in checking in on their mates. It was a simple but powerful reminder that looking after your mental health is something everyone can be part of.
A special thank you goes to Morgan Jackson from headspace Cairns, who spoke with the boys about mental health, healthy habits and the services available to young people. His message helped the boys better understand the support that exists in their community and the importance of speaking up when things feel tough.
It was also great to see local partners and community members joining the event and showing their support. Their presence helped make the morning feel even more meaningful for the boys, reinforcing that there are people around them who care and want to see them do well.
Well done to all academy members who took part and represented their academies with pride. The Mental Health Fun Run was a strong reminder that good health is not just about fitness, but also about strong relationships, confidence and having the courage to look after yourself and your mates.
