Walk to lift awareness of vet challenges

It’s the first time Flynn’s Walk will be held in Sydney and organisers would “love seeing families, kids on bikes, four legged friends – anyone and everyone” join in on Sunday, September 18.
After losing his close friend Dr Flynn Hargreaves (BVSc) to suicide four years ago, Jack Levitt set out to reduce suicide in the veterinary and animal care industries and created Flynn’s Walk in memory of his mate and to spread awareness of the challenges faced by vets.
Mr Levitt says they want people to come along to walk it out and talk it out – help break down the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.
He says there are many factors contributing to the high rates of stress, burnout and suicide within the veterinary field, including, but not limited to long hours for relatively low pay, unrealistic expectations from clients, euthanasia and compassion fatigue.
“What better way to share in the conversation than to spend a couple of hours checking in with friends or even meeting new people,” he said.
“We believe that with more proactive support and more meaningful conversations, we can help to turn the dial on this devastating issue and make a career in the veterinary field more sustainable.”
The free 4km loop community walk will start at Newington Armory at 10.30am, with free coffee before thanks to supporters the Petbarn Foundation and a free sausage sizzle (with vego options) at the walk’s end.
Details, registrations and donations: flynnswalk.com.au