headspace Push-Up Challenge
Across the Bellarine people are pushing up for youth mental health as part of ‘The Push-Up Challenge’ – Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event.
The challenge sees participants take on 3,249 push-ups across 24 days in June, raising awareness of mental health and funds for organisations like headspace Ocean Grove.
One local group to have thrown its support behind the Bellarine based headspace service is the Peninsula Blitz Basketball Club. More than 65 members of the club including children, teenagers and young adults are taking part in The Push-Up Challenge.
“We wanted the club to participate in the push-up challenge because we take mental health seriously,” said Peninsula Blitz Basketball Club President Derek Haayema.
“Many of the leaders in our club are men who have firsthand experience with mental health struggles, and we recognise that this is an issue that affects both men and women. However, statistics show a higher rate of suicide among men, and we are committed to understanding why this is the case, raising awareness, and encouraging men to connect with available services.”
The basketball club is already well on its way to achieving its fundraising goal of $1,000, with funds raised through the Push-Up Challenge going towards the establishment of a new outdoor therapy space and edible garden at headspace Ocean Grove.
“This space will give us an opportunity to help young people build a connection with the environment and learn basic cooking techniques which are such a valuable life skill,” said headspace Ocean Grove Manager Tanya Fitzpatrick.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of the entire Bellarine Peninsula Blitz Basketball Club because we know the strong connection between physical activity and improved mental health.”
Derek Haayema hopes the challenge will give members of the Blitz Basketball Club a greater awareness of mental health issues and the services available to them on the Bellarine.
“Additionally, the act of doing push-ups together helps to break down barriers and foster vulnerability and openness among our players. Engaging in this challenge promotes team unity and allows our members to support each other more effectively. As a club, we value these experiences and believe they are integral to building a strong, supportive community.”
The Peninsula Blitz Basketball Club has recently partnered with Bellarine Community Health which operates headspace Ocean Grove.
“Our partnership with Bellarine Community Health underscores our commitment to the mental well-being of our members. We believe that the supportive environment created through sport is crucial for the mental health of young people,” said Derek Haayema.
The Push-Up Challenge runs until June 28. Donations to headspace Ocean Grove can be made via the Push-Up Challenge website HERE until mid-July.
Young people aged 12 to 25, as well as their family and friends, can visit headspace Ocean Grove for support. Help is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.
If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available to talk 24/7.
About headspace
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace services in 157 communities across Australia[1], our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. For locations of headspace services, as well as factsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, please visit the headspace website: headspace.org.au