Walking the talk on mental health
Pedestrians across Colombo were recently treated to a rare sight of over a hundred people walking and talking, bearing signs and banners encouraging more people to TALK and Walk.
Walking all the way from Galle Face to Independence Square, the walk met up with a host of riders as they reached the square, tired, spent, but content with their efforts for a noble cause.
The Courage Compassion Commitment foundation, founded in 2003 by Jetha Devapura is a registered Non Profit Charitable organization run by volunteers based in Sri Lanka and Australia to provide services in the areas of mental wellbeing and cancer care.
They are the team behind the
CCC line, 1333, Sri Lanka’s only toll free crisis hotline that operates 24/7 in all three languages. “We believe that empowering people to step “Out of the Shadows” and talk about their problems is fundamental in reducing the stigma associated with social and mental health issues,” says Mr. Ranil Thilakarathne, Manager of the CCCline.
1333 is a volunteer run operation, and answers more than 25000 calls a year. They also have an annual bikeathon where bikers cycle across Sri Lanka, travelling 1333km in thirteen days with the aim of spreading awareness and reaching out.
This year, their route began with them journeying to Chilaw and ending at Colombo Independence Square on September 10, commemorating the end of their journey on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Joining them at their concluding ceremony were the participants of “Let’s TALK and Walk”
the newest initiative of the team where they recognize that mental and physical health go hand in hand, and invites everyone to walk and talk about their problems. ‘Let’s Talk & Walk’ was held by the CCC foundation and CCC line in collaboration with lifeline international and the international association for suicide prevention. Joining them in their efforts for raising awareness were various Rotary Clubs, Rotaract Clubs, Interact Clubs, and Leo
Clubs, all united in their passion for making a better future.
Their efforts concluded with a ceremony at Independence Square, where the bikeathon riders were presented with certificates and their efforts acknowledged. It was also attended by special invitees Ashanthi De Alwis and Randhir Withana, who joined the walk in support as well. The evening ended with a candlelight vigil.