Physical and mental health go hand in hand.
This is one of the reasons why headspace Geelong is asking the community to join them to complete 3318 push ups in June.
The Push Up Challenge runs from June 1-25.
Over the course of 25 days participants will be challenged to complete 3318 push ups in total, representing the number of lives lost in Australia to suicide in 2019.
People can take on the whole 3318 push ups themselves or team up with others to take on the feat as a team challenge.
Each day there will be a different number of push ups to complete, which can be tracked on the Push-Up Challenge website or on a new app, which will be available on app stores closer to the event.
The online tracker will also allow you to see how others are going and learn about mental health, so not only will you be getting a work out but you’ll be learning about mental wellness.
It’s all about getting fit, having fun and pushing for better mental health.
Fundraising is an optional part of the challenge.
Many local businesses, schools and community groups are getting involved, and fundraising for our youth mental health services along the way, and headspace Geelong would love to see more join in.
The challenge provides a great opportunity for workplaces, teams and schools to bring mental health to the forefront, with participating teams last year reporting that it started conversations about mental health as well as providing a team goal that everyone was motivated to achieve.
Since 2017, The Push-Up Challenge has raised $7.52 million for mental health and suicide prevention.
Participants can choose to fundraise directly for their local headspace centre, meaning funds go directly to supporting young people in the local community.
In 2020, the Geelong community raised more than $20,000 for headspace Geelong services through the challenge.
These funds have provided a valuable boost to the mental health resources available to local young people in the Geelong region.
headspace Geelong operations manager Grant Gibson encouraged people to get involved.
“The Push Up Challenge is an opportunity to start the conversation about the heartbreaking number of Australian lives lost to suicide each year,” he said.
“Our goal is to help reduce the number of lives affected by suicide by increasing awareness of mental health in the community and raising money for headspace. Together we can make a significant impact, and improve the lives of young people in the Barwon region.”
Sign up to push for better health at www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/beneficiary/headspace-Geelong
About headspace Geelong:
headspace Geelong, a BCYF led service program supported by Western Victoria Primary Health Network under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program, provides a range of responses to assist young people in relation to key needs such as mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs, and work and study support.
headspace Geelong runs free and confidential health services for young people aged 12-25. Young people can access headspace services for their general health and mental wellbeing through headspace centres located at Geelong, Corio and Drysdale.
Centre details, as well as factsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, can be located at headspace.org.au/geelong
If you would like to make an appointment at headspace Geelong, please visit our website or call 5222 6690.
If you or a loved one needs help:
• headspace Geelong: 5222 6690
• eheadspace: 1800 650 890
• Jigsaw triage: 1300 094 187
• HeadtoHelp: 1800 595 212
• Bellarine Community Health: 5253 0400
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Visit a GP or hospital Emergency Department
• In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
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