130,000 Aussies complete over 121 million push-ups in support of mental health

The Push-Up Challenge 2020 has seen 130,000 Australians complete 121 million push ups collectively in just three weeks, that’s five push ups for each Australian, all whilst raising over $5 million for headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation.

The annual initiative challenged participants to complete 3046 push-ups across three weeks in May to get fit and increase awareness of the 3,046 individuals in Australia who died by suicide in 2018 with the number of push ups changing each day to reflect a vital mental health statistic.

What first began as a challenge between four mates, led by Perth engineer Nick Hudson, has since grown to 130,000 people across Australia, pushing for better mental health. This year we saw participants from the Police Force, the Navy, Surf Lifesaving and the Carrie and Tommy Show pushing side by side with everyday Aussies, raising both awareness and funds for mental health support.

The challenge was brought forward this year to encourage Australians to increase physical activity and stay mentally healthy during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting the importance of self-care and looking after our mental health, just as we do our physical health.

Thanks to the generosity of communities across Australia over $5 million was raised for headspace National and for headspace centres across the country to support activities and initiatives that work to help young people get the support they need to get back on track.

Giving your energy, time and awareness to The Push-Up Challenge is an incredible achievement. headspace is also very grateful to all those who donated to youth mental health during the challenge, you have helped #pushforbetter mental health and raised $5 million in the process. An absolutely phenomenal effort – thank you!