When former NRL player Shannon Nevin started suicide prevention program Walk ‘n’ Talk he set out to save as many lives as possible. 

Now, his cause has hit Wagga, with more than 230 people at Apex Park on Sunday tackling depression head on with simple – but potentially life saving chats. 

Former NRL player Shannon Nevin said the cause had received an overwhelming response from across the nation. 

“The rate of suicide in rural areas is a lot higher but ultimately it’s needed everywhere.” 

With just three weeks to put the event together, spearheaded by Lake Albert Public School student Latisha Peverell, Mr Nevin said the community couldn't have been more eager to hit the footpath. 

“It’s not about donations or money but about people coming together and putting their hand up to be there for others,” he said. 

“It’s a wonderful thing for the community to get together to put a smile on each others faces.”

Mr Nevin said it was important to create awareness for both adults and children. 

“It all starts with children because depression and anxiety doesn’t just happen when you get older,” he said.

“The earlier we can drill into children that it’s OK to not be OK and it’s OK to talk, the more likely it is to become natural. 

“They should know they’re not a burden on Mum or Dad if they’re suffering.” 

Now the event is set to be held each two months in Wagga, with high hopes of eventually creating a weekly Walk ‘n’ Talk. ​