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Ice cream, DJs, and healing energy set the tone for inclusive mental health event on Saturday, May 3

Columbia, South Carolina – A dynamic community event focused on mental health awareness and support, the Annual Mindful Steps Walk, is set to be hosted by the City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement in collaboration with the Girl Get Up Society.

Emphasizing access to mental wellness resources and promoting a feeling of hope and healing, the event set for Saturday, May 3, 2025, hopes to inspire women and girls throughout the Midlands.

A dynamic community event focused on mental health awareness and support, the Annual Mindful Steps Walk is taking place on Saturday, May 3

The event will kick off at 9:00 a.m. at The Keenan House, located at 801 Wildwood Avenue. A 3K walk—an invitation for community members to get together and take practical and metaphorical steps toward greater mental health—is at the core of the day. Those who participate are encouraged to walk in solidarity for a cause that continues to impact many people by forming teams with friends, relatives, or colleagues.

More than just a walk, this year’s Mindful Steps Walk honors resilience, connection, and the power discovered in group effort. Free food and drinks, local DJ live music, and a variety of interesting activities for all ages will help to create a vibrant and friendly environment for attendees. An ice cream truck, face painters, and balloon artists will provide additional enjoyment to the celebration, hence guaranteeing its significance as well as its elevating quality.

A dynamic community event focused on mental health awareness and support, the Annual Mindful Steps Walk is taking place on Saturday, May 3
Credit: Unsplash

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In addition to the entertainment, the event offers something even more impactful—free 15-minute therapy sessions. On-site certified mental health experts will be available in a quiet and friendly environment to offer support, direction, and tools. This program emphasizes the deeper goal of the event: to normalize the discussion about mental health and to provide genuine access to treatment.

“We are excited to be partnering with the City of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement again this year for this event,” said Rhonda Bush, Founder & Executive Director of Girl Get Up Society.

“Together, we are working to bring attention to mental health as an essential part of healing, especially for women and girls in our community. This event is an opportunity to prioritize mental well-being and show our collective support for those who need it most.”

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Free to the public and open to all ages, the Mindful Steps Walk provides a venue for individuals from all walks of life to come together in support of mental wellness. The event guarantees a time of community care and shared empowerment whether you are there to walk, listen to music, eat ice cream, or talk with a therapist.

Read also: New bill would end meal shaming and expand food access in South Carolina schools

The organizers want this year’s walk to keep inspiring important discussions and support the idea that mental health is important—every step of the road.

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Kinsley Brown
Kinsley Brown
Editor Kinsley Brown oversees daily news operations, story development, and editorial standards at Florence News Journal. With nearly a decade of experience in South Carolina journalism, she has covered state and local politics, education, and government accountability for multiple outlets. She brings a strong focus on clear, accurate, and reader-first storytelling. Kinsley holds a degree in journalism and has received several recognitions for both her editing and reporting. She is especially committed to mentoring emerging journalists and ensuring Florence News Journal maintains rigorous editorial integrity.

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