Finding funds for mental health

PEOPLE from three local businesses are working together to bring a children’s mental health program to Ballarat schools under the Hand in Hand program.

Building on their debut event earlier this year, the owners behind Tennis Ballarat, Pilates Fit Plus, and Playground Gym are aiming to raise funds for the Sebastian Foundation’s Open Parachute Program.

The idea was spearheaded by Pilates Fit Plus owner Leah Ashton after she met the Foundation’s general manager on a flight, and she said it’s an important initiative to introduce to schoolchildren in the region.

“I just knew it was something we needed here in Victoria,” she said.

“As a mum myself, I was hearing heartbreaking stories of not only suicides but also with body-shaming and social media and all the issues kids are dealing with these days.

“I just want to be a help in starting these conversations earlier and stopping the stigma, being proactive about it.

“It costs $30 per child per year to go through the program. It’s quite big in South Australia and New South Wales. This will bring it to regional Victoria.”

The Open Parachute is a peer-to-peer led mental health program delivered in schools and driven by research from founder Dr Hayley Watson through Macquarie University.

Hand in Hand is set to be an ongoing initiative beyond the team’s initial goal of $250,000.

With their first campaign event held in early April, their upcoming initiatives include a black-tie gala at the Goods Shed later next month and a 24-hour fitness fundraiser on Saturday, 12 to Sunday 13, August.

Between about 10 business sponsors and ambassadors like Tim Bone of Tim’s Toasties and Paralympic gold medallist Josh Hose, Ms Ashton said the community has been getting behind their goal.

“The support we’ve had from the public has been amazing whether that’s through donations or business sponsorship,” she said.

“We’ll have an auction for the gala event. For the 24-hour fundraiser we’ll have a Pilates performer, a treadmill, tennis court and walking track that won’t stop for 24 hours.”

“This’ll be ongoing. We’re a charity that’s here to stay to help our local schools.”

Funds raised through the Hand in Hand campaign are sent straight to the Sebastian Foundation, which was founded by singer Guy Sebastian and his wife Jules, before being claimed by a Ballarat school.

Staff at one local school have already put their hand up to run the Open Parachute program, with a celebration event to take place sometime this term.