Staff from three local businesses are pushing for better mental health across the community by registering teams in the Push-Up Challenge 2022.
The team members from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) and Regional Australia Bank will attempt to complete 3,139 push-ups over 24 days to raise funds for Lifeline Hunter.
ARTC General Manager HV, Andy Barrow, said the Push-Up Challenge is a great way for staff to stay connected, get fitter, learn about mental health and have some fun along the way.
Andy said ARTC works closely with Lifeline in several ways and is proud to get involved with initiatives like the Push-Up Challenge.
“We see the impact the Push-Up Challenge has on people’s mental and physical health around the office and it acts as a great reminder to stop and check in with yourself.”
“We’re also raising money for Lifeline Hunter, which does so much locally to help people in crisis and to prevent suicide,” Andy said.
Lifeline Hunter CEO, Rob Sams thanked the businesses and their staff for their efforts to promote good mental health within the club and the community.
Rob encourages other businesses looking to undertake a team building exercise that benefits staff and community to consider entering the Challenge too.
Rob is also doing the Push-Up Challenge. He said there is evidence of the positive connection between good physical and mental health, so those doing the challenge will make a difference to their own life as well as the lives of other Hunter people.
“Every dollar that people raise during the Challenge will go to local suicide prevention services and support,” he said.
“Lifeline’s staff and volunteers are here to make sure no one must face their darkest moment alone.
“The 3,139 push-ups aren’t a random number. That is how many Australians died by suicide in 2020. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.
“Every year, Lifeline answers more than one million requests for support. We receive a call or text to our 13 11 14 crisis support service every 30 seconds.
“Many in our community are doing it tough right now. We’re experiencing more demand for crisis support and our free face to face and online counselling. So, more than ever, we’re relying on local community donations and fundraising to be there to listen to local people and to give them hope,” Rob said.
People doing the challenge aren’t restricted to traditional push ups. They can do kneeling or wall push ups, sit ups, squats, or star jumps.
The Push-Up Challenge was founded in 2017 and is run by The Push For Better Foundation.
To support a participating business team or to take up the challenge and support Lifeline Hunter visit the Push Up Challenge website.
Lifeline support
- Telephone: 13 11 14
- Lifeline Text: 0477 13 11 14
- Chat online: www.lifeline.org.au
- Free counselling (face to face or online): 1300 152 854 or lifelinehunter.org.au
IMAGE | Local ARTC staff Wes Moyle, Sean Cumpson and Kim Bath are doing the Push-Up Challenge for Lifeline Hunter.
