It’s a nationwide mental health fundraising initiative that combines physical activity with awareness and education.
SRN advertising consultant and office manager Sarah Bain is the captain of the team, which also includes PT/SRN general manager Nigel Lutton and cadet journalists Eamon Kurta and Rowan Frazer.
Rounding out the five person team is Nigel’s wife, Katie London.
Held annually, the challenge invites participants to complete 3,249 push-ups over 24 days while raising funds for mental health organisations.
The number of push-ups represents the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2024 - the most recent data available.
Individuals, workplaces and community groups can take part, tracking their progress via a dedicated app that also shares daily mental health facts to spark conversation and reduce stigma.
“We’ve all gone through a tough time, or know someone who is,” Sarah said.
“Signing up to this challenge was not only a way to help reduce stigma around mental health discussions, but also a reminder to check in with myself and others.
“Doing it as a team helps because we encourage each other. There’s a bit of fun and banter, pushing each other to try our best - even if some of us, me, can only do a few push-ups at a time.
“But it’s not about the quantity, or even quality. It’s about helping each other through those last few pushes, to know we have the support.
“That goes for our mental health as well. We do have the support, we just need to make sure we are asking for it - reaching out to someone, anyone.
“Small daily actions can make a big difference to wellbeing.”
That fun and banter has spilled into both the PT and SRN newsrooms, and has been shared with our readers via our social media pages.
Every few days, the challengers complete a set of push-ups together in the office, where they are cheered on by the rest of the staff.
Since its inception, the challenge has attracted hundreds of thousands of participants and raised millions of dollars to support vital services, research and advocacy.
The SRN/PT team has set a goal of raising $1000 by the end of the challenge.
To help them reach their goal, you can donate online at www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/srnptpushitgood. If you prefer to make a cash donation, feel free to drop into the PT office.
• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources and pathways to help are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.
18°C