The Push-Up Challenge May 2020

KEEP FIT, STAY CONNECTED AND SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH BY JOINING HEADSPACE WOLLONGONG IN COMPLETING 3,046 PUSH-UPS.

headspace Wollongong are calling on people to join thousands of Australian’s this May in The Push-Up Challenge.

Participants across the country will connect virtually to challenge themselves physically, learn about mental health and help raise awareness of the 3,046 individuals in Australia whose lives were lost to suicide in 2018^[1].

With Australians currently experiencing disruption to their everyday lives, maintaining positive mental and physical health is a bigger issue than ever before said The Push-Up Challenge founder, Perth Engineer Nick Hudson:

“We are facing extraordinarily difficult times with the spread of coronavirus and mandated social isolation and now, more than ever, we believe in the power of online communities and the importance of keeping your mental health in check.”

The Push-Up Challenge runs over 21 days, from 11^th to 31^st May 2020 and you can register as an individual, a team, or get your workplace, club or gym involved as a ‘community at www.pushupchallenge.com.au

In 2019, almost 50,000 participants got involved in The Push-Up Challenge, ranging in age from 11 to 64 years old and raising almost $2.5m for youth mental health services delivered through headspace.

Push-ups (or alternative exercise activities) can be done at home and tracked via the online tracker, which allows you to view your individual and team progress and privately message teammates.

“This year, we are really excited that participants have the opportunity to fundraise either for headspace nationally, or for their local headspace centre, meaning funds raised will go directly to supporting young people in local communities,” said headspace National CEO, Jason Trethowan.

headspace Wollongong’s Community Engagement Officer, Amanda Cooper, is excited about the opportunity the challenge offers for young people who might be feeling isolated at home from their friends and peers: 

“We love the idea that teams can participate together and share the goal. We have a team of youth representatives participating on our behalf who will be adapting the challenge to suit their capabilities. Their motto is ‘exercise is for everyBODY!’ “

“We encourage everybody, of every age and capacity to participate in the way that best suits them right now. There is no obligation to fundraise if you choose to join in. Just have fun, get fit, and learn about mental health,” added Amanda. 

Registrations are now open at www.thepushupchallenge.com.au

Media Contacts

headspace Wollongong – acooper@gph.org.au or 42 207 660

headspace National media and communications – media@headspace.org.au or 0413 025 385

The Push Up Challenge - chloe@thepushupchallenge.com.au 0401 914 522