Trigger Warning: The following article includes conversations on mental health and wellbeing.
As many of our members may be aware of this March is home to the Laps For Life Challenge.
Last month we covered how Sue, one of our valued members, is participating in the challenge. This month we are excited to share that we have another member who is challenging themselves for this great cause!
Ebony is one of our younger members here at BayFit and has decided to take part this March in hopes to raise awareness and fundraise for the Laps For Life challenge. She has set herself an incredible goal of 20 kilometers this March! Here is a little bit of what she had to say about the challenge:
Why are you participating in this challenge?
“This is my first year doing Laps for Life, but once I heard about it I knew it’s exactly the challenge I wanted to do. Both for my own health as well as the cause.”
What inspired you to participate?
“Being a young person, my peers and I often have conversations about our mental battles and often see young people lose their battle to mental health. I thought it was a great way to raise money for those that are in need.”
How did you hear about Laps For Life?
“I heard about it through Instagram actually, and have since had another friend join the challenge as well.”
You’ve set a goal of 20 kilometers, why?
“I’m reasonably new to swimming so I felt it was a decent goal to keep me challenged and focused, but not so unattainable that I’ll lose motivation.”
Why did you decide to participate in the challenge at BayFit?
“I always find the staff so welcoming at Bayfit, and I love that everyone is there to improve their health. I also love a post-swim sauna.”
And finally, what is one piece of advice that you have been given or are giving yourself?
“Remember why you’re doing it…”
If you would like to support Ebony in her Laps For Life challenge, click on the link below.
https://www.lapsforlife.com.au/fundraisers/ebonywaldner/laps-for-life
What is the Laps For Life challenge?
Laps For Life is a swimming challenge hosted by ReachOut. The entire challenge is dedicated to raising awareness around mental health in young people. According to the Laps For Life website, “more than 1 in 3 young people in Australia is currently experiencing a mental health difficulty. But there’s an even bigger problem: more than 1 million of them are not accessing professional support. And, suicide remains the leading cause of death for 16-24 year olds in Australia.” The Laps for Life Challenge will take place from 1 – 31st of March 2023.
To find out more about the Laps For Life Challenge, click here.
What is the ReachOut Program?
ReachOut is a dedicated safe online space for young people to seek support for mental health and wellbeing.
ReachOut has a range of resources and support available. This includes:
- One-to-one peer support
- Access to moderated online communities
- Tips
- Stories
- Resources
Click the link below to access the ReachOut website:
https://about.au.reachout.com/
Why is this important?
The Laps For Life challenge is not only about raising much needed funds, but it raises much needed awareness about mental health and suicide, as well as educating people about support networks (such as ReachOut) available to those affected.
Our team would like to wish Ebony well with her challenge. We cannot wait to see what she achieves this March.
Support Networks:
If you or anyone you know are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero 000.
BlueFit would like to encourage that if this article has evoked any concerns that you can contact the following support networks:
Beyond Blue
1300 224 636
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Lifeline
13 11 14
You can also visit the ReachOut website for more information and support.
