Push up for better mental health this June

THIS month, headspace Geelong and Corio are encouraging Geelong locals to push for better mental health by participating in The Push-Up Challenge.

Participants will take on 3,214 push-ups across 23 days in June to remember and honour the 3,214 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2023.

If completing the said number of push-ups is out of reach, participants can set their own push-up goals, which can also be done as sit-ups, squats or tailored exercises.

headspace Geelong and Corio spokesperson Bronagh Ritchie said she looked forward to plenty of Geelong locals getting behind the initiative.

“More people than ever before are reaching out to headspace for help and support, and the money raised through The Push-Up Challenge will help us continue to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Geelong and Corio.

“We’re aiming to raise funds to support the delivery of equine therapy for young people, a service we can only offer thanks to community donations.

“This unique therapy helps young people open up with our clinicians and develop emotional awareness, social skills, confidence, impulse control, trust and empathy.”

In 2024, more than 218,000 participants completed more than 317 million push-ups and raised more than $12 million, taking the total raised since the challenge’s inception to more than $50 million.

Founder of The Push-Up Challenge Nick Hudson said it was a fun and accessible way to improve fitness, learn about mental health and connect with others.

“Mental health challenges will affect nearly everyone at some point in their lives.

“The Push-Up Challenge aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness through education and encourage Australians to take a more proactive approach to their fitness and mental wellbeing.”