The Push Up Challenge - an annual initiative that aims to bring people together and shine the spotlight on mental health kicks off today right across the country.
The Challenge asks those who sign up to complete 3,128 push-ups over 21 days, representing the number of lives lost in Australia due to suicide in 2017.
Nick Hudson, Founding Member at The Push Up Challenge is incredibly proud that money raised from this year's efforts will go to headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation to continue to promote the importance of self-care and looking after our mental health, just as we do our physical health.
"We know there's a strong correlation between exercise and mental health. This is an opportunity for friends, colleagues or family to come together, have a bit of fun but also educate themselves on the issues impacting so many Australians who live with mental ill-health.
"Not only will participants get a work-out but we'll also send out information throughout the Challenge to educate people about mental wellness," said Nick.
headspace CEO, Jason Trethowan and Board Chair, Lisa Paul AO PSM will get behind the challenge, joining and the team at headspace to hit their push up target.
"We're very proud to partner with The Push Up Challenge for such a great initiative. We want young Australians to know that there is help available if they are going through a tough time and they don't need to go it alone.
"Initiatives such as this allow us to continue to improve mental health literacy and also break down stigma associated with mental health," said Jason.
Among some of the faces getting behind the challenge and flexing for the cause include players from the Future Matildas - a Sydney-based program featuring talented female footballers from across the nation. The Future Matildas program aims to develop the next wave of senior Matilda's players, and recently had players including 18-year-old Karly Roestbakken and 16-year-old Mary Fowler represent Australia at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France. Twenty players from the group will join forces from today to complete the push up goal.
With around 75 per cent of mental illnesses occurring for the first time before the age of 25, it has never been so important to show your support and help break down the stigma associated with mental ill-health.
