Are you up for The Push-up Challenge, Northern Beaches?

This June, Lifeline Northern Beaches is encouraging all locals to push for better mental health by taking part in Australia’s largest fitness-based mental health initiative, The Push-Up Challenge.

Participants will attempt 3,144 push-ups across 23 days in June, putting the spotlight on the tragic number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2021 – and by selecting Lifeline Northern Beaches, you can help save lives in your own backyard. Thousands of Australians from all ages and walks of life participate in the event which engages people in mental health through connection, physical activity and education.

Lifeline Northern Beaches CEO David Thomas said, “The Push-Up Challenge is a great opportunity for Australians to talk about their mental health, learn how to best support each other and recognise when they might need to put their own hand up for help. We’ve had so much fun pushing up and learning about mental health for the past two years, so we can’t wait to do it all again in 2023.” 

“More people than ever before are reaching out to Lifeline for help and support, and the money raised through The Push-Up Challenge will support our local services to be there for anyone, anytime, whatever the reason,” commented David. And if completing 3,144 push-ups feels out of reach, you can choose to do half the target, and opt for alternative exercises such as sit-ups, squats or tailored exercises, with progress tracked through a dedicated app.

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

“It’s likely everyone will encounter mental illness at some point in their lives, so by getting down, pushing up and learning about mental health, we hope to break down the stigma attached to mental illness so that Australians don’t think twice about helping someone who might be experiencing it, or reaching out for help themselves.” Lifeline Northern Beaches is encouraging people of all ages, local businesses, gyms, clubs and schools in the area to join and support their local Lifeline centre. “All funds raised for Lifeline Northern Beaches will go towards our local face-to-face services such as counselling, support groups and financial counselling and will positively impact the mental health of our community,” said David.

The Push-Up Challenge is a free event, and you can register as an individual, a team, or get your whole workplace, club, gym or school involved at www.thepushupchallenge.com.au and make sure you select Lifeline Northern Beaches as your beneficiary.