Step by Step, Connection by Connection: Building a More Resilient Community Together
Seven years ago, I embarked on a personal journey to make a real difference in Youth Mental Health, a cause deeply personal to me. My chosen path? Self-designed extreme walking events, each one pushing me to my physical and mental limits, testing my resilience while raising awareness for this important cause.
My Latest Challenge:
On April 6th-7th, 2024, I took on my most challenging walk yet: a grueling 30-hour, 206,000-step non-stop walk around Blacktown Olympic Park Athletic Stadium. This event, called Step into Action, wasn't just about personal accomplishment; it was about building a connected community.
The Power of Connection:
What truly impacted me wasn't the personal achievement but the incredible sense of community that emerged. Building resilience together, sharing stories, offering encouragement, and simply showing they cared – these acts of humanity fostered a powerful sense of belonging and highlighted the immense power of connection in building resilience, especially for young people.
Step into Action - A Movement:
My walks have transformed from personal endeavors into a movement – Step into Action. The stories shared, the acts of kindness experienced, and the community built have become the foundation for something much bigger. This experience has shown me that resilience isn't built in isolation, and now more than ever we need to come together.
Join Us!
Let's all take a step together, young or old. By fostering supportive communities and forging connections, we can equip ourselves and future generations with the tools to navigate mental health challenges, build strong self-esteem, and maintain well-being.
How to Get Involved:
Ready to build resilience in yourself and your community? Step into Action offers several ways to connect:
Explore: Learn about upcoming community walks, events, and Youth Mental Health advocacy efforts.
Learn: Discover my resilience speaking engagements, blog posts, podcast series, and past extreme walk challenges.
Share: Join the movement and share your story of strength. Each step we take together is a connection that can spark change and make a difference.
Thanks for the Support
Emmanuel Martin: GM Breed Australia
Mitch Neave: Head of People and Operations Batyr
Jay Booklin, Founder : Social Change Central
I am incredibly privileged to have Chris as a mentor. His fountain of lived business expertise and insights, combined with his ideas and advice, has helped me tremendously. Chris’s commitment and generosity is unparalleled, he truly cares about the individuals he mentors. He has been a driving force in my professional development as well as an invaluable emotional support. I can recommend Chris without hesitation and with complete confidence.
Gayathiri R
"I just showed your news story to my dad and it’s got us talking about mental health conditions! My dad is now googling anxiety and depression which is so great!! grew up in a community where mental health “wasn’t a thing” and always getting dismissed by people- so showing your news thing to my dad has got us talking now! It’s made such a HUGE impact on us!!!”
Rebecca Ceely, Greystanes High school
Chris Barton has delivered his Senior School Success Workshops for our Year 11 students as they embark on their HSC journey. With his focus on resilience, personal strength, and growth mindset his talks have been a great motivator for all students involved. Chris’s warm approach, interactive activities and thought-provoking prompts for individual reflection have really engaged students to consider their own values and future possibilities. His delivery encourages students to nurture their mental health as they navigate what can be an overwhelming time. Delivering strategies for organisation, balance and success, Chris’s presentations have been invaluable in boosting student motivation and determination.
Nick Brown, CEO: Batyr
I have known Chris for almost two years now when he and I began working together in a mentor/mentor relationship. He has supported me in my role as GM during a time of significant growth and change within the organisation. I have particularly appreciated Chris’ insight into the ‘startup’ world and the challenges faced in this space.
Adam
"It’s great so see someone willing to be the voice of those who struggle to find their own in the world we live in today.
Linh Podetti, CEO: Outsourcing Angel
Chris is my mentor for many years. He has always been so generous with his time and knowledge. He cares about helping others succeed without expecting anything back. He is genuine, authentic, whom you can trust to have your best interests.
Trish Martin, CEO: Karelle Life Enrichment Services
Chris has supported the work of this organsiaiton above and beyond what one could possibly expect and has been able to help us develop innovative solutions to challenges that arise from time to time. He is reliable, committed and brings a high level of integrity to his professional relationships. Such attributes are critical in the business environment. I am confident to recommend Chris to absolutely anyone!
Let's take that first step together...
Leave your details and message below and I will be in touch shortly...
© 2024