Geelong community asked to #pushforbetter with 3046 push ups
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 3046 push ups this month.
The Push Up Challenge runs from May 11-31.
Over the course of 21 days participants will be challenged to complete 3046 push ups in total, representing the number of lives lost in Australia to suicide in 2018.
People can take on the whole 3046 push ups themselves or team up with others to take on the feat as a ‘combined goal’.
With Australians currently experiencing disruption to their everyday lives, maintaining positive mental and physical health is a bigger issue than ever before. The Push Up Challenge was founded by Perth-based engineer Nick Hudson three years ago, after experiencing depression relating to major open-heart surgery, Nick says, “We are facing extraordinarily difficult times with the spread of coronavirus and mandated social isolation and now, more than ever, we believe in the power of online communities and the importance of keeping your mental health in check.”
Each day there will be a different number of push ups to complete, with each target reflecting a different statistic to do with mental health in Australia. For example, 45 push-ups to recognise the percentage of Australians who will experience a mental health condition over their lifetime.
The online tracker will also share daily wellbeing tips, so not only will you be getting a work out but you’ll be learning about mental wellness with our daily practical tips.
It’s all about getting fit, having fun and pushing for better mental health.
Fundraising is a part of the challenge, but is also optional.
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 up. The challenge is also serving as a great way to stay connected during this time.
In 2019, almost 50,000 participants got involved in the Push Up Challenge, ranging in age from 11 to 64-years-old, and raising almost $2.5 million for youth mental health services delivered through headspace. Together participants completed a total of 55 million push ups = that’s two for every Australian.
This year participants can choose to fundraise directly for their local headspace centre, meaning funds go directly to supporting young people in the local community.
headspace Geelong operations manager Grant Gibson encouraged people to get involved.
“The Push Up Challenge highlights the devastating number of Australian lives lost to suicide each year,” he said.
“Our goal is to help reduce the number of Australian lives affected by suicide by increasing awareness of mental health in the community and raising money for headspace.
“Together we can make an impact, and improve the lives of young people in our community.”
Sign up to push for better health at thepushupchallenge.com.au/headspace/Geelong.
The coronavirus situation is rapidly evolving, and participants must follow the available public health advice for COVID-19 at the time.
If you do fall ill in the lead up to, or during, the 2020 Push-Up Challenge Event, your safety is the first priority. Pushing through it isn’t healthy – rest up instead and seek medical advice.
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 www.headspace.org.au.
If you would like to make an appointment at headspace Geelong, please call 5222 6690.
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