CFA’s big push for mental health awareness

A number of CFA members are helping start conversations around mental health by completing 3046 push ups in 21 days this month as part of the Push Up Challenge 2020.

CFA's big push (up) for mental health awareness

This year the Push Up Challenge commenced on 11 May and participants have been working hard to reach their push up goal by 31 May.

The 3046 push ups represent the number of Australians who died by suicide in 2018.

Among many CFA participants, two Toomuc firefighters, Daniel Farrall and Kurt Pitts, have vowed to each complete their 3046 push ups to encourage positive mental health in their community and raise funds for Headspace.

Daniel said he first participated in the Push Up Challenge last year.

“I decided to get involved because I know many people who have struggled with mental health issues and it’s something I am passionate about,” Daniel said.

“Like many people, I’ve been through some pretty tough times and this is a good way to give back and help other people who may not have access to the support I did.”

Daniel also has taken part in another mental health awareness initiative in his role as a CFA firefighter at the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb event.

“I hope this initiative raises awareness about mental health and encourages people to not only donate, but be willing to listen to others and offer help if they need it,” he said.

Around 45 per cent of Australians will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life, according to the Australian bureau of Statistics.

The goal of the Push Up Challenge is to help reduce the number of Australian lives being lost to suicide by increasing awareness of mental ill health in the community and raising funds for headspace.

To support Daniel, Kurt or any other participants in your local community, visit www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/donate and search the participants profile to make a donation.

/CFA News Release. View in full here.