Chalk sprawled across a Stratford footpath is supporting positive talk around mental health

A ‘safe space’ for mental health has been created on a popular Far North footpath using colourful chalk to catch the public’s eye. HOW TO BE INVOLVED >

Families along the path contributing to the ‘Chalk about Mental Health’ initiative. Picture: Jo Piggott

A ‘safe space’ for mental health has been created on a popular Far North footpath using colourful chalk to catch the public’s eye.

Locals are invited to join the Stratford Cycle Path from 9am to sunset on Saturday September 2 and draw their version of positive self talk sprawled across the footpath in an initiative called ‘Lets Chalk about Mental Health’.

The chalk is placed in locations along the path between Stratford Library and Freshwater Train Station.

Walker Anne Tarutia and Jo Piggott on Saturday morning supporting the ‘Chalk about Mental Health ‘initiative. Picture: Kristina Puljak

Chalk art along a Stratford/ Freshwater cycleway. Picture: Jo Piggott

The annual event started in 2018 when a local family, the Strickland’s, lost their son to suicide.

Small business owner and founder of Your Tribe group, Jo Piggott, used to take her group along the path every year to show her support.

When the Strickland family moved to the Sunshine Coast, Ms Piggott kept the initiative running.

“We walked from 9am and drew the positive messages along the path and left the chalk on the side for people to take as they please,” Ms Piggott said.

“I’ll be leaving the chalk here for anyone who wants to leave their mark.”

While Ms Piggott and her group were walking the path this morning, there were already families joining in.

“It’s beautiful to see everyone leave their individual mark,” Ms Piggott said.

“By Sunday morning you often see the path full of drawings and affirmations.”

Unique drawings and positive messages such as ‘speak up,’ and sentences like ‘it doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop’ have brought the path to life’.

Mental Health volunteers joined the path this morning to start positive and safe talks about mental health.

Members of the public are invited to pick up the chalk and leave their mark along Stratford Cycle Path at any point throughout the day and night.

Originally published as Chalk sprawled across a Stratford footpath is supporting positive talk around mental health