Saturday, Oct. 3—Every year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont) brings together hundreds of people with its annual walkathon to raise mental health awareness and funds to support its free programming. This year, they are taking a different route – “going virtual.” On Saturday, Oct. 3, NAMI Vermont will participate in NAMIWalks Your Way Vermont: A Virtual Event.
Instead of walking together, participants will choose an activity of their choice and join virtually with hundreds of thousands of mental health advocates from across the country participating in their own NAMIWalks Your Way events this year. Many participants are still planning to walk – in their neighborhoods, around their backyard, in a dog park. Others are choosing other activities like bike riding, practicing yoga, or gardening. And still others will be joining NAMI Vermont for a NAMI Vermont Car Parade in downtown Burlington at 1 p.m. on Oct 3.
Participants will share their activities on social media and follow NAMI Vermont’s program on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for recorded messages, livestreaming and more activities throughout the day.
This day also kicks off Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 4-10, where they shine the light on mental health to let everyone know “You Are Not Alone.” During these uncertain times of the pandemic, many are feeling isolated and have increased anxiety and depression. NAMI has designated World Mental Health Day, Oct.10, as “A National Day of Hope.”
To join NAMIWalks Your Way, visit namiwalks.org/Vermont. Registration is free, but fundraising is encouraged. Funds raised support NAMI Vermont’s free local mental health programs and services.
To learn more about the car parade and NAMI Vermont’s programming, please visit namivt.org.
