Thousands raised in fitness challenge

THIS year’s Move for Mental Health Challenge has raised seventy thousand dollars for Bendigo Health’s Exercise and Wellbeing program for regional mental health patients. 

Director of fundraising and foundation at Bendigo Health, Rachel Mason, said she was thrilled the target for this year’s Move for Mental Health Challenge was reached. 

“We are delighted to have reached our target for the 2023,” she said. “The community’s support has created awareness and raised important funds for mental health patients.”  

Ben Smith has been undertaking the program for more than a year and said he feels his fitness is improving. 

“The sessions get me out of the house and are good for me,” he said. “I feel like I am getting fitter. 

“It’s patients from Dual Diagnosis Unit and Community Care Unit all coming together which is really good.” 

Peer support worker at Bendigo Health, James Long, uses the patient transport bus secured with last year’s fundraising effort. 

“It has been fantastic to be able to use the patient transport bus with funds raised through the 2022 Move for Mental Health challenge year and to see people’s wellbeing improve, thanks to these programs,” he said.