You can walk, run or wheel your way to your fitness and fundraising goals. All money raised will go to improving mental health services in the Loddon Mallee region and providing specialised exercise programs for mental health patients.
Dr Skye Kinder, a passionate advocate for rural patients and their communities and who works in mental health, said this was a great opportunity to get active.
“Exercise has been proven to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as improve sleep, cognitive function and help us to maintain a healthy weight,” Dr Kinder said.
“Our bodies create endorphins when we exercise which helps to improve our mood. There is substantial evidence that confirms regular exercise can make a huge difference to the prevention of, and recovery from, severe mental illness.
“In 2021, we plan to grow the specialised exercise program that was introduced in our mental health departments last year, so more patients will benefit from this program when they receive treatment and when they are discharged from hospital,” she said.
Registrations are now open and you don’t have to go it alone. You can register as an individual, a family or rally your work colleagues or friends to create a team. You can start working towards your fitness and fundraising goals as soon as you sign up – and the choice is yours. You may wish to walk each day, take regular exercise classes or cycle 50km a week. It costs just $25 per person for individual or team participation and $50 for families.
There are a huge number of prizes available, including Rebel Sport and Brooks gift vouchers, and gym memberships. So be one of the first to register, make sure you log exercise on World Mental Health Day on October 10, or be the individual, family or corporate team that raises the most money and logs to most activity to be in with a chance to win one of the prizes.
To register, and for more information including setting up your fundraising page, visit bendigohealthfoundation.org.au/m4mh.
Our thanks to major sponsor Bendigo Radiology for their valued support.