October is Mental Health Month. Is your school looking for simple, engaging ways to get students talking about wellbeing? The Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon is an easy and effective way to get involved. This free event sparks connection, builds social skills and gets students moving. It is designed to fit into a regular school day, and everything you need comes in a ready-to-use toolkit.
The Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon involves students walking in pairs while using conversation cards to guide their chat. The questions are fun, thoughtful and age-appropriate. They prompt students to talk about things they might not usually share, creating genuine connection while they move through the school grounds or a nearby park.
Jonathon Peatfield, CEO of Life Education NSW/ACT says: “Teachers say the event creates a great atmosphere across the school and leaves students feeling more connected to one another.”
Here are five reasons your school should get involved.
1. Wellbeing underpins performance
Students do better when they feel like they belong. Research shows a strong sense of connection improves academic performance, increases attendance and reduces bullying. Students who feel seen and heard are more likely to engage in class and take part in school life.
“The evidence is clear,” says Peatfield. “Students who feel connected to their peers and school community thrive not only academically but socially and emotionally. The Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon is a simple way to boost connections across an hour or two.”
The event makes it easier for students to start conversations and strengthen relationships. Walking outside in nature, away from screens, creates a relaxed setting where genuine conversations can flow.
2. Conversation builds social skills
Conversation is a skill that improves with practice. Some students find it easy to strike up a chat while others need support. The Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon provides that scaffolding through conversation cards, prompts and checkpoints. These tools give students a way to practise asking questions, listening carefully and responding in turn.
“In a world where young people are often communicating through screens, creating space for face-to-face conversation is vital,” Peatfield says. “The Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon gives every student a chance to practise those skills in a fun and supportive way.”
Teachers have told us that students often continue their conversations long after the walk is over, showing how much they value the chance to connect.
3. Movement supports mental health
Walking is good for the body and the mind. Physical activity releases hormones that boost mood and reduce stress. For students juggling study, screens and social pressures, walking offers a natural and healthy way to reset.
“Movement is one of the simplest ways to support wellbeing,” says Peatfield. “When we combine it with conversation, it’s even more powerful. Students experience the benefits straight away.”
4. It builds a culture of peer-led leadership
The Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon is also about student voice. When students are given tools to start conversations with new peers or even teachers, they practise leadership in its simplest form. They take initiative, step into new interactions and realise they have something worthwhile to contribute.
This peer-led approach empowers students to see themselves as leaders in everyday moments, not just in formal roles like captains or SRC members.
“As educators, we sometimes forget that leadership doesn’t only happen on a stage or in a council meeting,” Peatfield says. “It also happens in small moments, like striking up a conversation with someone new or showing empathy when someone tells you how they’re feeling.”
5. It’s simple and a great way to mark Mental Health Month
Schools are busy places, and wellbeing activities can fall to the bottom of the list. The Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon makes it easy. The free digital toolkit includes planning guides, conversation cards, social media templates and promotion ideas. Everything is ready to use, so teachers do not need to start from scratch.
Running the event during Mental Health Month gives schools a visible way to show students and families that wellbeing matters. It sends a strong message that mental health is something to talk about openly, and that schools are safe places to have those conversations.
How to take part
Register your school for the free Talk-And-Walk-A-Thon toolkit. You will receive a complete digital pack with everything you need to run the event. It is simple, flexible and designed to work in schools of all sizes.
“This is a low-cost, high-impact way to bring wellbeing into focus,” says Peatfield. “It’s practical, it’s positive, and it gets everyone involved. It also showcases some of the principles and benefits of the Peer Support program.”
This Mental Health Month, give your students the chance to walk, talk and connect. Find out more here.
