Fitness fundraiser helps buy a bus

AN annual fitness challenge by Bendigo Health, Move for Mental Health, has generated enough money for the hospital to purchase a patient transport bus.

The 12-seater vehicle will be used by mental health patients for easier access to specialised exercise programs.

The bus was officially passed on to the organisation’s mental health clinical teams by Bendigo Health’s director of fundraising and foundation Rachel Mason.

Ms Mason said she was pleased to see the demonstration of the community’s generosity which will provide substantive value for patients across the Loddon Mallee.

“Since the Move for Mental Health challenge began in 2020, our community has helped us raise more than $200,000 to improve services for local mental health patients,” Ms Mason said.

“During this time, a specialised exercise program, an on-site gym, and sensory modulation tools have been introduced to our mental health departments.

“Now we hand over the bus that was promised as part of last year’s Move for Mental Health challenge fundraising.”

According to Emily Ricketts and William Tierney, psychology masters students in Sports and Exercise at the University of Queensland, exercising has several positive effects on mental health.

They include reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving self-esteem and sleep, and increasing social connectedness.

Registrations are now open for the 2023 Move for Mental Health challenge and for more information or to sign-up via the Bendigo Health Foundation website.