Briana Matthews

Lighting the way - Walking Heath Home 🐝🤍

Why I’m Stepping Out for Ks for R U OK?

There are some moments in life that change you forever.

For me, that moment was April 2024, when I lost my beautiful brother, Heath, to suicide.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could have one more conversation with him. One more chance to ask how he really was. One more opportunity to remind him how loved he was.

But I can’t change what happened to Heath.

What I can do is make sure his story continues to mean something.

That’s why I keep stepping out for Ks for R U OK?

This year, I’m taking on my most personal walk yet — Walking Heath Home, 130kms from Cohuna to Eaglehawk over five days.

I’ll be walking through the communities and countryside that mean so much to this story, carrying Heath with me every step of the way. But more importantly, I’ll be carrying a message that I wish everyone could hear:

You don’t have to walk through life alone.

We never truly know what someone else is carrying. The person laughing beside you might be struggling. The person who says they’re fine might not be. And sometimes, asking a simple “Are you OK?” and genuinely taking the time to listen can be the conversation that makes someone feel seen, heard and less alone.

I know how important those conversations are now.

I also know how important it is to keep having them — even when they feel uncomfortable, even when we don’t know what to say, and even when we’re worried we might be asking too much.

So I’ll keep walking.

For Heath. 🐝
For the people we’ve lost.
For the people who are struggling in silence.
For the families left behind.
For the conversations we haven’t had yet.
And for the possibility that somewhere along the way, someone hears this message and chooses to reach out.

Last year, our Doin’It4Heath journey showed me just how powerful community can be. People walked beside me, donated, shared our story, opened their doors and, most importantly, started conversations.

This year, I want to take that message even further.

130kms. One very personal journey. One very important message.

Because every kilometre is for a reason.

And if this journey encourages even one person to pick up the phone, check in on a mate, ask the question or speak up when they’re struggling — then every single step will be worth it.

Please help me keep Heath’s story alive and support R U OK? in their mission to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them.

🐝🤍 Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep checking in. Let’s make sure no one feels like they have to walk alone.