In Hong Kong, a growing concern over youth mental health has sparked important conversations, especially as recent years have seen a worrying rise in suicides among young people. The Weez Walk, an annual fundraising event organized by The Weez Project and KELY Support Group, aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention while encouraging participants to connect with others through “walk and talk” sessions.
A Personal Mission to Raise Awareness
The Weez Walk is the brainchild of Tony Bruno, a 63-year-old Hong Kong resident who founded The Weez Project after the tragic suicide of his son, Jamie, in 2017. Bruno, who moved to Hong Kong 28 years ago, was deeply affected by the mental health struggles and suicide epidemic among youth in the city. In 2020, as funds for The Weez Project began running low due to the pandemic’s restrictions, Bruno took on the challenge of walking around Hong Kong Island to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health.
Bruno completed the 62km route in over 12 hours, raising HK$350,000. This success led to the creation of the Weez Walk, a fundraising event aimed at engaging the community in supporting mental health initiatives.
Mental Health Crisis in Hong Kong
Recent data underscores the urgency of addressing mental health issues among youth in Hong Kong. According to a September 2024 survey by Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, 20% of secondary school students reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the city has witnessed a sharp increase in youth suicides. Between mid-August and September 2024, 10 students died by suicide, marking an alarming rise from the six suicides reported in the same period in 2023. The city’s teenage suicide rate reached a 10-year high in 2023, highlighting the need for immediate intervention and support.
Mental health has become a pressing public health issue in Hong Kong, and Bruno believes that fostering awareness and providing access to mental health support is key to addressing the crisis.
The Weez Walk: Walking and Talking for Mental Well-Being
The Weez Walk incorporates several elements that are believed to help improve mental health: open communication, being in nature, and exercise. The event encourages participants to engage in conversations about mental health while walking around the island, thus offering a safe space for people to talk openly about their struggles and provide support to one another.
“Talking about problems, being out in nature, and exercise are big antidotes to mental health issues,” said Bruno. “We try to incorporate all those elements into one.”
Participants in the walk can complete the route in sections, allowing them to go at their own pace. The event’s flexibility makes it accessible to a broad range of people, including those who may not be able to walk the full 62km but still want to contribute to the cause.
The Growing Need for Mental Health Support
One of the event’s participants, Charlotte Chan, took part in the first Weez Walk in 2022 and raised over HK$26,000. Chan, who was diagnosed with depression and anxiety as a teenager, shared her personal experience of receiving support from her friends and family during tough times. She highlighted the stigma surrounding mental illness in Hong Kong and emphasized the need for greater access to mental health resources.
“Many young people in Hong Kong don’t have access to the same resources, and the stigma surrounding mental illness makes speaking up incredibly hard,” Chan said.
Her participation in the Weez Walk was driven by her desire to raise awareness and contribute to changing the conversation around mental health. She stated, “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. We all have a role to play in helping those in need.”
The Future of Weez Walk
Since its launch in 2022, Weez Walk has seen remarkable growth, with more than 700 participants in its first year. In 2024, the event exceeded 800 participants, reflecting the increasing recognition of mental health as a crucial issue in Hong Kong. The funds raised during the walk support organizations that provide essential mental health education and crisis management programs for young people.
As the Weez Walk continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and reducing the stigma around mental health issues. The event’s combination of physical activity, community engagement, and open dialogue provides a powerful platform for raising awareness about the mental health crisis and encouraging positive change.
Conclusion
Weez Walk is more than just a fundraising event; it’s a movement to address the mental health challenges facing youth in Hong Kong. Through the simple act of walking and talking, participants contribute to a larger cause: the promotion of mental well-being and suicide prevention. As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, initiatives like Weez Walk are helping to create a supportive environment where young people can find the help and understanding they need.
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