90,000 push-ups energising Headspace Bega's mental health focus

Earlier in May, Headspace Bega reached out to members of the community to get behind the push for mental health via the annual Push-up Challenge, Australia's largest mental health and fitness initiative.

"It has been heartwarming seeing different community groups get behind working towards suicide prevention support in the community," Headspace worker Carly McDonald said.

Ms McDonald encouraged people to push out as many as they can, with only days to go until the challenge ends on June 25.

People taking part in the challenge had the option to raise money that they could donate towards Headspace Bega, and so far the groups and individuals doing so have raised $4934.

For those not interested in doing push-ups but would like to donate towards Headspace Bega to support it delivering mental health support to youth in community, donations can be made here.

Ms McDonald said their team is appreciative of all the support from teams and individuals that have raised money for the organisation, with special shout outs to the following groups:

Meanwhile at School of Strength in Bega, performance coach Adrian Day said the SOS team had completed 13,708 push-ups spread among 19 members so far.

"There's more than one way to do a push-up which is what people fail to understand," Mr Day said.

"You can do them up against the wall, on the floor, from the knees, an elevated position and some with our feet elevated on the blue box."

Mr Day said the push-up initiative goes deeper than the competitive element of achieving as many push-ups as possible, but rather to encourage people to talk about mental health.

"It's more than a push-up, it's to break the stigma of mental health."

Mr Day has been enthusiastic to raise as much money as possible for Bega Headspace.

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Headspace Bega provides free tailored and holistic mental health support services to youth aged 12-25. It is focused on early intervention, working with youth during crucial times in their life. The service provides support with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services as well as work and study support.

To find out more about the specific services and types of support offered, go to the Information and Support section on the Headspace website.

The Bega Headspace office is located on the rooftop car park in Sapphire Marketplace, Bega. Open weekdays from 8.30am until 5pm, except on Tuesdays to accommodate for after work hours they close at 7pm.

For more urgent care or emergencies the following numbers can be contacted 24/7:

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