Walk to raise awareness of depression

MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 30 August 2007

Louder than Silence
Walk to raise awareness of depression
26 Days, 1,770 Kilometres, One step at a time

Andre Jackson is a man on a mission. On August 31st, the Wellingtonian begins a mammoth walk that will take him from his home city to Auckland and back again - all to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

Andre says, “People who live with depression need to know that it does not have to become the psychological full stop for their life. They don’t need to 'suck it up' or 'put up with it'. I want to help change that attitude. We need to change it!”

Andre intends to carry a large ‘Louder than Silence’ banner which he is encouraging people to sign to show their support for the cause.

Supporting his on-foot efforts is a comprehensive website which will be updated with photos and tales as the walk progresses and also has useful links for those who want more information on depression – www.louderthansilence.net

Andre is keen for others to join him on parts of the walk and already has support from celebrities, including Shortland Street star Ben Mitchell, otherwise known as ‘TK’, authors, MPs and now wants New Zealand to be involved.

Andre aims to raise $10,000 for the Mental Health Foundation through the walk and donations can be made through the website – www.fundraiseonline/louderthansilence

Andre leaves Wellington for Auckland on August 31st and expects to return on September 27th.

To leave a message of support, to join his efforts or to check when Andre might be passing through your town click visit –
www.louderthansilence.net

ENDS

Andre's route (PDF)

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