PEOPLE from three local businesses are working together to bring a children\u2019s mental health program to Ballarat schools under the Hand in Hand program.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Open Parachute Program.<\/p>\n
The idea was spearheaded by Pilates Fit Plus owner Leah Ashton after she met the Foundation\u2019s general manager on a flight, and she said it\u2019s an important initiative to introduce to schoolchildren in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just knew it was something we needed here in Victoria,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want to be a help in starting these conversations earlier and stopping the stigma, being proactive about it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt costs $30 per child per year to go through the program. It\u2019s quite big in South Australia and New South Wales. This will bring it to regional Victoria.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Hand in Hand is set to be an ongoing initiative beyond the team\u2019s initial goal of $250,000.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Between about 10 business sponsors and ambassadors like Tim Bone of Tim\u2019s Toasties and Paralympic gold medallist Josh Hose, Ms Ashton said the community has been getting behind their goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe support we\u2019ve had from the public has been amazing whether that\u2019s through donations or business sponsorship,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll have an auction for the gala event. For the 24-hour fundraiser we\u2019ll have a Pilates performer, a treadmill, tennis court and walking track that won\u2019t stop for 24 hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis\u2019ll be ongoing. We\u2019re a charity that\u2019s here to stay to help our local schools.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PEOPLE from three local businesses are working together to bring a children\u2019s 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\u2019s Open Parachute Program. […]<\/p>\n