The coronavirus pandemic has intensified stress and uncertainty for everybody and many activities around town have needed to cease due to the latest restrictions by the Federal Government.
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Walk 'n' Talk's fall under that category, however Walk 'n' Talk for Life Lithgow have found a way to keep people connected.
Walk 'n' Talk For Life National social media manager Kate Wall said connection, positivity and support for the Lithgow community was paramount.
"We aim to provide stability in these times where everyone's world is turned upside down.
"We are ensuring that even during COVID-19, our communities have access to that, as we operate as an online Mental Health Support Community," she said.
Ms Wall said social media was a key resource in ensuring people stay connected.
"We've increased the helpful and educational resources shared to our social media and more frequent community connect posts where we check in on how everyone's going," she said.
She said it was important to stay connected, to feel any kind of normality.
"We will run our events as video calls until we can all hang out in real life again.
"Anyone can jump on and join in on our online video catchups. They can have a chat, share some news, ask for advice - and the community can still support one another," she said.
Walk 'n' Talk for Life Lithgow coordinator Leanne Walding said the Lithgow team would discuss how to move forward using technology.
"This will include local zoom calls, Facebook inboxes or a personal call if you would like to chat," she said.
She said there would also be a National Zoom session with Walk 'n' Talk for Life founder Shannon Nevin, dates to be confirmed.
She said the team were focused on finding new ways to help the community online.
"We will be posting Q&A's on our Facebook stories where people can leave their suggestions on ways we can do this.
"We are also looking in the direction of facilitating people to have an isolation buddy - someone you check on daily who also checks on you," she said.
Ms Walding said isolation was a massive factor in mental health conditions and keeping up daily human connection can make a difference.
"Even if it's a message a day, it can make a massive difference and potentially save a life. In these stressful times, lets come together to share the love," she said.
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Alanna Tomazin
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
