LIFELINE Loddon Mallee is calling on communities to join their team, and take part in The Push-Up Challenge next month.
The challenge is aiming to push for better mental health, by challenging participants to complete 3144 push-ups between June 1-23, which is the same number of Australian lives lost to suicide in 2021.
The number of push-ups individuals complete will change every day, with each day’s number representing an important fact about mental health.
Participants can keep track of push-up and fundraising targets using the Push-Up Challenge’s free mobile app, available on Apple and Android devices.
The idea for The Push-Up Challenge was born in 2017, the brainchild of Nick Hudson. It began with Mr Hudson and his friends competing to complete 3000 push-ups in a month.
But after needing open heart surgery in 2018, Mr. Hudson suffered depression and needed something to focus his energy towards. He turned The Push-Up Challenge into an event that could shine a light and raise funds for mental health services in Australia.
In six years, the challenge has raised over $26 million for these services, with more than 300,000 participants completing over 600 million push-ups. It quickly grew into one of Australia’s largest mental health and fitness events.
Lifeline Loddon Mallee executive officer Lisa Renato said funds raised will be used to further the assistance their volunteers are able to provide.
“The team will be raising much-needed funds to recruit and train more volunteers, which will enable the Bendigo Centre and Sunraysia One Hub to answer more calls and save more lives.”
Those interested can join the existing Lifeline Loddon Mallee team, or sign up as an individual and raise funds themselves.
Local businesses and community groups are also invited to create their own teams or participate with Lifeline.
If 3,144 push-ups feels too confronting a task, participants are able to choose to complete half the target, or complete alternative exercises like sit-ups or squats.
Those wanting to get involved can find information on the Lifeline Loddon Mallee website and Facebook page, or register for the challenge at The Push-Up Challenge website.
To find out more you can also contact the Lifeline Loddon Mallee centre on admin@lifelinelm.org.au.
Anyone requiring urgent help can call Lifeline’s 24-hour number, 131 113. For crisis support, call Beyond Blue, 1300 224 636, headspace, 1800 650 890, or Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800.
