Ara student Oz Harnett is running at least 100 kilometres this month to raise money for a helpline he called on his worst days.

Harnett, in the third year of a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Sustainability, has signed up to Youthline’s Walk The Talk fundraiser, which asks participants to move every day for 30 days while raising money for the charity’s 24/7 helpline for young people.

For Harnett, the challenge is personal. Four years ago he lost his mother to suicide, and went on to face significant mental health struggles of his own.

“During the weakest era of my mental health, the hardest part of my day was getting out of bed,” he said.

“Through some of my lowest days, I used Youthline and 1737 for guidance and someone to talk to.

Walk The Talk supports the very hotline I used when my health was at its lowest, so I wanted to give something back.”

His initial target is to run 100 metres for every dollar donated, with ambitions of reaching 200 kilometres if fundraising exceeds expectations.

Harnett has become a strong advocate for mental health and wellbeing.

He has spoken at a Voices of Hope event for young people at Burnside High School, and recently began a placement at Te Puna Wai ō Tuhinapo Youth Justice Facility, where he supports learning programmes built around activity and adventure.

“You realise how much support some young people need and how important it is that services like Youthline are there when they reach out,” he said.

The fundraiser follows his participation in Ara’s recent men’s wellbeing noho, which brought students together to connect, reflect and strengthen their hauora.

“I’ve found the outdoors to be a safe and honest space for healing and improving hauora (health.)

“I hope this fundraiser helps raise awareness of alternative ways people can support their mental health while also helping Youthline continue the work they do every day.”

He appears to be taking it in his stride.

On day one he notched up 12 kilometres with a jog around Heathcote and Sumner.

“Thirty days won’t always be easy, but I believe every step of this campaign can truly make a difference in someone’s life,” he said.

Support Oz’s Walk The Talk challenge: https://walkthetalk.nz/oscar-harnett

Where to get help: Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234. Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak with a trained counsellor. In an emergency, call 111.

Support Oz’s Walk The Talk challenge: https://walkthetalk.nz/oscar-harnett

Where to get help: Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234. Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak with a trained counsellor. In an emergency, call 111.