Volunteer Resources
We're stoked you're here
Welcome!
This private, password-protected page is just for you β our amazing Walk ‘n’ Talk For Life volunteers.
Find everything you need here: guides, templates, logos, training tips, contacts, and more.
Thank you for being part of this community and helping create safe, strong connections π€

1. Getting Started
Welcome. Here are some resources to help you get started and better understand your role and how you can successfully run walks in your area.Β
- Walk βnβ Talk For Life Origin Story β Read about how we began.
- Our Mission β Empowering Minds + Strengthening Communities.
- Thank You to Our Volunteers β A thank you letter for our volunteers.
- Marquee, Flag, Table and Chairs Info β How to get your Walk 'n' Talk For Life Start Up Kit.
- Shirts, Caps, and Beaniesβ How to order, manage and track branded merch
2. Branding + Merchandise
Use the right logos and gear to keep our look consistent.
3. Volunteer Expectations + Code of Conduct
How we show up and support each other.
4. Marketing and Promotions
We can only help people who know about us. Here are some simple ways to spread the word.
- A guide to Marketing and Promotionsβ Strategies for promoting your local event.
- Templates for Flyers and Promotionsβ Use Canva to create flyers! As a charity we can give you access to our Pro Canva account, enabling you to access templates and create your own marketing assets. Email volunteers@walkntalkforlife.org.au and request Canva access.
- Social media doβs and donβtsβ How to use social media responsibly and maintain brand consistency.
5. Data Collection + Measuring Impact
Track your good work without overwhelming anyone.
6. Donations + Gifts
How to handle support from your local community.
- Handling Donationsβ What needs to be recorded and passed on to the head office, and how local donations can be managed.
- Connecting with Like-Minded Organisations & Sponsorshipsβ showcase your communityβs commitment to mental health by connecting with local charities, mental health programs, and businesses that share our mission.
- Business Sponsorshipβ A ready-to-use sample letter for asking local businesses to sponsor your community walks. Download now, modify to localise this letter to your chapter and start emailing and posting to local businesses asking for sponsorship.
- Donation Templatesβ A ready-to-use sample letter for reaching out to local businesses for donations or support. Download now, modify to localise the letter to your chapter and start emailing and posting to local businesses asking for support.
7. Running Your Event
Easy checklists to make your event smooth and fun.
- Event Run Sheetβ Step-by-step guide from set-up to BBQ and walk.
- BBQ Informationβ Costs, setup, and what to do if no facilities are available.
8. Mental Health and Crisis Support Training
Training that helps you support others β and yourself.
- Guides for Supporting Someone in Crisisβ What to say and do when someone is struggling.
- Recommended Training for Volunteers
- Wesley Lifeforce Suicide PreventionLearn more
- LivingWorks β safeTALK / ASISTExplore training options
- Mental Health First Aid(Often subsidised by local Rotary Clubs β check local interagency groups)
- Lifeline β Accidental Counsellor TrainingView Here
9. Connect with Other Volunteers
Stay connected and inspired.
- Nearby Volunteer Contact Listβ Get to know fellow Walk 'n' Talk For Life leaders.
- Join Our Volunteers WhatsApp Groupβ Stay connected, share ideas, and support each other.
FAQs
Thank you for volunteering!
Your willingness to help organise a Walk βnβ Talk For Life event in your community is deeply appreciated. Your efforts help break stigma, reduce isolation, and create safe, welcoming spaces for connection and hope. Every step you take with us strengthens your community and saves lives.
Walk βnβ Talk For Life was founded by Shannon Nevin, a former professional rugby league player, in 2016 after witnessing the benefits of exercise on mental health. Inspired by rising suicide statistics and his personal experiences, Shannon combined walking with meaningful conversations to support mental well-being and build community connection. Since the first event in Manly, the movement has grown across Australia, helping people walk, talk, and heal together.
Empowering Minds + Strengthening Communities.
We aim to enhance mental health by fostering connections within communities Australia-wide, creating collective spaces that work alongside mental health organisations to reduce isolation, promote connection, and improve well-being for all.
As a volunteer, you represent Walk βnβ Talk For Life and are expected to:
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Arrive at least 30 minutes before the event
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Be friendly, inclusive, and approachable
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Wear your Walk βnβ Talk For Life t-shirt
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Prioritise safety and report concerns
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Respect confidentiality where needed
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Treat everyone with respect and professionalism
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Share feedback to help us improve future events
Your starter pack includes:
Walk βnβ Talk For Life t-shirts (for distribution)
A marquee and 1 x banner flag
A trestle table if needed
Beanies (for colder regions) and caps (where available)
If stock runs low, please contact head office to arrange additional items.
You play a key role in spreading the word:
Share on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and local community groups.
Use the event flyer provided to promote your event.
Talk to your friends, colleagues, and neighbours to encourage participation.
Pin flyers on local community boards and in cafes, gyms, and workplaces.
Share why Walk βnβ Talk For Life matters to you for authentic impact.
π£ Word of mouth is powerful β your enthusiasm helps build a connected community!
Reach out to:
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Local mental health charities and services
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Community groups, schools, and sporting clubs
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Local businesses for support or sponsorship
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Allied health professionals to attend or promote the event
Invite them to:
Walk with your community
Host an information table
Volunteer at the BBQ or donate bread and sausages
Share the event within their networks
π€ This strengthens your eventβs reach and reinforces community solidarity around mental health.
Local businesses can sponsor:
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Event shirts (logo placements available)
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BBQ supplies (bread, sausages, drinks)
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General event costs
Example Shirt Sponsorship Options:
3 sponsors on the back: $1,000 each
1 exclusive sponsor: $3,000 (approx. 300 shirts)
All sponsorships are tax-deductible, and sponsors receive community recognition while supporting a life-saving cause.
Collecting data through quick surveys (via QR codes at events) helps us:
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Measure the impact of our events on mental well-being
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Identify community needs
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Improve future events
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Demonstrate our impact to secure grants and sponsorships
Participation is voluntary, but we encourage attendees to complete the survey to help us continue making a meaningful difference.
Walk βnβ Talk For Life events are covered by comprehensive insurance, including:
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Public liability
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Medical emergencies
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Property damage
Details are included in your starter pack for your reference. If you have any questions, please reach out to your coordinator.
Sample Event Run Sheet:
Time | Activity |
---|---|
7:30β8:00 AM | Setup (marquee, BBQ, shirts table), volunteer briefing |
8:00 AM | Greet attendees, shirt distribution |
8:15 AM | Welcome speech and safety briefing |
8:30 AM | Walk starts |
9:30β10:00 AM | BBQ and socialising |
10:30 AM | Closing thanks and encourage QR code survey |
11:00β12:00 PM | Pack down and volunteer debrief |
This helps the event run smoothly while ensuring safety, connection, and community spirit throughout.
Your local coordinator and the head office team are here to support you. If you need:
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Additional merchandise
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Sponsorship templates
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Marketing assets
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Assistance with event promotion
please reach out anytime.
Thank you for volunteering!
Your commitment to Walk βnβ Talk For Life is helping create safer, stronger, and more connected communities across Australia.
Together, we are walking towards hope.