Staff and students from a Charlemont high school are being encouraged to push-up for better mental health next month.
Iona College will participate in The Push-Up Challenge from June 4 to 26, with everyone encouraged to complete up to 3214 push-ups in 23 days.
Teacher Dean Millard said he had taken on the challenge in 2019 and introduced it to the schools where he worked, as it got the staff and students talking about mental health.
“Mental health has always been something that I’m pretty passionate about, so I got involved for my own sake,” he said.
“The big message we’re pushing is not so much about trying to complete the challenge because some people are quite intimidated by it.
“Even if they can only do one push-up, squat, or sit-up a day because you don’t have to do a push-up, that’s one that our community can’t do without you.
“This is about reminding everyone that everyone brings something to our community that makes our community better and stronger, and we need everyone to bring whatever they’ve got.”
The Push-Up Challenge founder Nick Hudson said mental health challenges affected “nearly everyone at some point in their lives”.
“The challenge aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness through education and encourage Australians to take a more proactive approach to their fitness and mental wellbeing,” he said.
“It is a fun and accessible way to improve your fitness, learn about mental health and connect with friends, family and community, all while honouring the lives tragically lost to suicide.”
The challenge is free to participate in, and people can visit thepushupchallenge.com.au for more information or to register.
