Following 'The Blue Trail' for mental health awareness

Scott Bent, a teacher from Queechy High School, will be embarking on 'The Blue Trail', a 500 kilometre trip over nine days combining riding and running from Dover to Devonport to raise awareness for mental health.

Money raised during Mr Bent's journey will go to two charities that are aimed at bettering mental health, Speak Up! Stay ChatTY and The Blue Tree Project.

READ MORE: Dance plan praised as a step forward for Covid-19 restrictions

Having faced his own mental health journey he is hoping to encourage men facing depression or anxiety to seek help.

"I've had my own mental health battles for a while, I guess, and I found it really hard to know what help I should ask for and who I should be talking to," Mr Bent said.

"I finally got the courage to reach out and ask for help and I realised that blokes in particular are pretty bad at talking about things sometimes when it comes to emotions and how we are actually feeling.

"I was very much caught in that trap. It's all about making sure that it's OK to not be OK and it's alright to ask for help and its okay to cry and get the help and support they need."

Mr Bent said that driving past the bright blue tree along the Midland highway was a daily reminder to assess his mental health.

READ MORE: Launceston glass artist recognised in American exhibition

"The big blue tree on the way to Longford was a big inspiration for me. It's a big reminder," Mr Bent said.

"I live in Perth and I drive past it all the time and it's a good reminder for me to check in with myself and how I'm going and to check in with my mates as well and make sure they are on track."

The Blue Tree Project is a worldwide initiative in which trees are painted blue to encourage sparking a conversation or thought of mental health.

"The Big Blue Tree Project is a bold initiative. It captures people's attention and when people drive past it it gets them thinking. You are really reminded about mental health in a visual way," Mr Bent said.

Beginning on New Year's Day 2022 Mr Bent's journey is planned to take nine days, with careful planning and support on hand to take on the huge task.

READ MORE: Teacher assistants given 10 days to comply with vaccine mandate

"I planned out exactly where I will go and run each day, I know where I'm staying each night. I will be averaging 25 kilometres running a day and 40 kilometres on the bike."

Following along the Tasmanian Trail, Mr Bent is encouraging others to join along for parts of the journey.

"I've got some really great people who have stepped up and said they will come and do a certain section with me," he said.

"I've got people who said they will ride alongside me and I am lucky enough to have Mum and Dad supporting me along the way with my equipment. If anyone wants to run or ride with me they are more than welcome."

Mr Bent's main support along the way will be his faithful companion Sammy, a German short haired pointer.

"Sammy boy will be doing sections of the running with me. He's training with me at the moment and he's a lot fitter than I am so he may be leading the way."

Those wanting to donate or follow Scott's journey can visit his Instagram 'The Blue Trail'.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: