Pushing for Better Mental Health for all Australians
From 5 to 28 June, over 150,000 Australians are participating in The Push-Up Challenge to improve their physical and mental fitness, have fun and raise funds to make a difference to mental health in Australia.
If you didn't have the chance to participate in #crazysock4docs Day last Friday, a day dedicated to breaking down the stigma around the mental health of doctors, you might want to get involved with Australia's largest mental health and fitness event, The Push-Up Challenge.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of Australians take up the challenge to complete a set number of push-ups that represent the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in the most recent year of available data. Participants are provided with daily mental health facts, and have the opportunity to fundraise for one of our chosen mental health charities, Lifeline or headspace.
If you're not up for 'pushing up', you can still get behind the cause by donating. Your donation will go a long way to improving the lives of many across Australia. Activities that your donation will contribute to focus on mental health education, research, connecting people with their community and fostering healthy behaviours.
https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/main-donate-page
Since 2017, The Push-Up Challenge has raised over $40 million for mental health programs and services and engaged over 500,000 people to push for better mental health.
One Doctors Challenge
Dr Dr. Ganesan Sakarapani, Director of Medical Services at Headland Health Campus has taken up the challenge and is completing 3,249 push-ups in 24 days to raise awareness and funds for mental health in Australia.
"Mental health is a massive pandemic in Australia and I have been personally affected by close family members suffering. It is also the most underfunded and under-resourced area of healthcare in Australia and I would like to do my bit to rectify this."
Ganesan's aim is to raise over $4,500 for Mental Health in Australia and specifically for Lifeline WA and HeadSpace Pilbara. It's not easy, but Ganesan is doing 140 push ups a day for 24 days.
If you'd like to show your support for Ganesan, you can make a tax-deductible donation to his page by clicking on the link below:
http://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/ganesansakarapani/the-push-up-challenge
Every dollar helps #pushforbetter mental health outcomes in Australia by funding much-needed mental health services and initiatives.
Ochre Recruitment recognise the amazing work Ganesan does for both his doctors and the communities they serve at the Hedland Health Campus in WA. We also celebrate his commitment to and support of improving mental health resources in Australia.
If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health, there is help available.
Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14
Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation provides mental health services to young people 12 to 25 online, by phone and through headspace centres across Australia. 1800 650 890
The Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 phone and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide. Call 1300 659 467
Relationships Australia provide support services for individuals, families and communities, aiming to help people achieve more positive and respectful relationships.
