Geelong mental health ambassador pushing up for mental health

AN ambassador from Greater Geelong says she hopes she can spread a positive message on mental health as part of next month’s The Push-Up Challenge (TPUC).

St Leonards local Mackenzie Sinclair is committing to 3,249 push-ups in 24 days from June 5-28, helping to make a difference to mental health while raising funds for Lifeline, headspace, and the Push for Better Foundation for a third year.

“This year will be my third year participating in The Push-Up Challenge, and I can’t wait to be involved,” Ms Sinclair said.

“What drives me to keep coming back is not only being able to raise vital funds and awareness around mental health, but also the incredible support of the TPUC community.”

“In 2022, when I was in Year 12, I found out about TPUC and became a Student Ambassador for my school.

“The community the challenge creates is truly amazing, and the support I received to break the stigma around mental health challenges in my school was next-level.”

The national response to TPUC in 2023 was widespread as 215,000 participants completed 300 million push-ups and raised over $14.7 million for mental health.

Now 19, Ms Sinclair faced a gradual decline in her mental health during her secondary school years, attempting to take her own life on multiple occasions.

She hopes her efforts over the month of June can provide hope to those in need.

“I want people to know that they are never alone, no matter how much it feels like it,” Ms Sinclair said.

“There are so many people out there who want to help and see you thrive; you deserve help and support.

“Receiving support will not make you any less of a person, and there is every chance that once you begin to receive that additional support, you’ll find your true self again.”

Founder of The Push-Up Challenge, Nick Hudson, said TPUC is a great way to get fit, connect with your community and learn about mental health, while honouring lives tragically lost to suicide.

“It’s likely everyone will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives, so by getting involved, we hope to break down the stigma attached to mental illness and help Australians be more proactive about their mental health,” Mr Hudson said.

Participants can set their own push-up goal or choose exercise alternatives such as sit-ups, squats or tailored exercises, if they wise.

To register for The Push-Up Challenge as an individual, team, workplace, club, gym or school, do so at thepushupchallenge.com.au.