Lifeline has issued a challenge to Northern Rivers locals to push for better mental health, by participating in Australia’s largest fitness-based mental health initiative, The Push-Up Challenge.
Free to register, participants will take on 3,318 push-ups from 1-25th June, putting the spotlight on the tragic number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2019, while also raising vital funds for critical mental health support services.
Each day, participants get down and push-up while learning about mental health, with the number of push-ups changing day to day to reflect a vital mental health statistic.
Get healthier, learn and make a difference
Michael Were is the Regional General Manager for Lifeline Northern NSW. He said, ‘We’re really excited to bring the community together in this unique way to learn about mental health, encourage connection, promote fitness and make a difference through fundraising.
‘Every push-up counts. Every push-up remembers a life lost to suicide. It’s a real challenge, but so is preventing suicide,’ he said.
Open to all ages and all abilities, participants can aim for 25%, 50% 75% or 100% of the daily push-up target. Other exercise alternatives are welcome, including sit-ups, squats or tailored exercise.
‘To date, we have over 40 participants registered in the Northern Rivers,’ said Mr Were, ‘and gyms in Lismore, Alstonville, Ballina, Byron Bay and Murwillumbah have signed up to support Lifeline.’
Solo or team challenge?
Participants can sign up solo, or create a team with their friends, family, co-workers or teammates to push-up together, each aiming for as many of the 3,318 push-ups as they feel comfortable with.
Progress is tracked via an app, all while learning more about mental health.
‘The Push-Up Challenge is all about getting involved in physical and mental health in a fun and unique way, and we’d love to have the local community involved,’ said Nick Hudson, Founder of The Push-Up Challenge.
‘Through the event, participants can ensure their fundraising helps the local Northern Rivers community by selecting Lifeline Northern Rivers as the beneficiary from the drop-down menu when you sign up,’ said Mr Hudson.
Helping Lifeline save lives
Michael Were said, ‘Funds raised through The Push-Up Challenge will ensure Lifeline’s critical crisis support and suicide prevention service are accessible to anyone who needs them – anytime, anywhere and in the way those who need support feel most comfortable approaching.’
Lifeline Northern NSW is encouraging people of all ages, local businesses, gyms, clubs and schools in the area to join the Push-Up Challenge for Team Lifeline Northern Rivers.
Register here: www.pushupchallenge.com.au/
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours/seven days) or chat to a Crisis Supporter at lifeline.org.au (7pm–midnight, seven nights).
