Kim Huckerby is a thought leader and changemaker in workplace mental health, dedicated to transforming the way leaders, teams, and individuals navigate mental wellbeing. With over two decades on the front lines as a Social Worker, Educator, and Speaker, she brings both deep expertise and lived experience to every conversation. She shares her thoughts on navigating conversations about mental health...
One of the many reasons I proudly stepped into the role of Ambassador for Coastrek is because it aligns so deeply with my passion for hiking and the powerful conversations it inspires. There’s something about moving side by side in nature that makes it easier to open up. Coastrek isn’t just about the trek; it’s about connection, community, and changing the way we talk about mental wellbeing—one step at a time.
I have worked on the mental health front line for nearly 25 years and what I know, is that talking about mental health is one of the most powerful things we can do—for ourselves and for others. I imagine a world where we all feel comfortable and safe to share what’s going for us, but importantly, that others feel confident to receive that information and know how to support someone if they are struggling.
A simple conversation has the ability to change and save a life. It has the ability to create connection and remind someone they’re not alone. Yet, many of us hesitate, unsure of the right words or the right moment. We worry: What if I say the wrong thing? What if they don’t want to talk? What if I make it worse? This is a fear that so many people face.
The good news? You don’t need to have all the answers.
Mental health challenges are more common than we realise. Anxiety, depression, stress, burnout—these are not just personal struggles; there’s a ripple effect and they impact workplaces, families and communities, and when left unspoken, can escalate. But when we create a culture where conversations about mental health are welcomed, we remove the stigma and empower people to seek support.
The question is: How do we do this? And importantly, how do we do this well?
1. Why Nature is the ultimate conversation starter
There’s something powerful about walking in nature - an energy that comes with being outside. The way it allows a conversation to shift from something static and heavy to something fluid and open. The way it creates a safe space for the conversation to unfold— walking side by side.
When we’re walking, we’re not locked in eye contact, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable when discussing vulnerable topics. Instead, we’re shoulder to shoulder—equal, connected, and unpressured.
As I, like many others around Australia, embark on team training hikes in preparation for our Coastrek event day challenge, we are presented with opportunities to lean in to that safe space that nature provides.
We’ve always intuitively known that nature is a remedy – and now science confirms it. Time outdoors lowers stress, lifts our mood, and sharpens our thinking. But the real magic behind meaningful and supportive mental health conversations? It happens when we have someone who truly listens.
2. The power of listening
Listening is one of the most underrated superpowers. And it’s not just about hearing the words; it’s about creating space for someone to feel seen, heard, and valued. When we truly listen—without judgement, without rushing to fix and problem solve, without waiting for our turn to speak—we build trust, strengthen relationships, and open the door to truly understand what someone is experiencing.
In workplaces, homes, communities and in nature, the simple act of listening can make people feel supported in ways that words alone never could. Sometimes, the most powerful response isn’t advice or a solution—it’s silence, presence, and the reassurance that someone is willing to hold space for us.
You could try something like:
“I’ve noticed you’ve had a lot on your plate lately. How are you feeling?”
“You’ve seemed a little quieter than usual—I just wanted to check in.”
“I’m always here if you ever want to talk. No pressure, just support.”
When we take conversations about mental health into nature, we’re not just talking—we’re reconnecting. Reconnecting with ourselves, with others, and with the world in a way that strips back distractions and allows for meaningful conversations. Nature has an innate ability to ground us, to slow our racing thoughts, and to create an environment where both speaking and listening feel more natural, more open, and more powerful. When we pair the courage to share with the presence to truly listen, we foster a culture of trust, understanding, and support—one that extends far beyond the conversation itself.
So, let’s be intentional. Let’s create more spaces where these conversations aren’t just possible but encouraged, where mental health is not just spoken about but prioritised. Because in the end, the simple act of talking and listening—especially in the right environment—has the power to change lives.
