Photo by Dejan Stanic Micko. Image via Shutterstock.
Marathon Madness Virtual Challenge
Did you know 75 percent of mental health problems occur before the age of 24? This is why Top Blokes Foundation is aiming to raise $10,000 this October to help fund their unique mentoring programs which aim to build resilience and empathy in young males, targetting escalating suicide rates and reducing anti-social risk taking behaviours. This October, they are challenging you to walk, run, swim or cycle a half marathon (21-kilometres), full marathon (42-kilometres) or the ultramarathon of 50-kilometres. It is up to you where, when and how you do it. Sign up now to get your fundraising pack and start earning rewards!
Photo by Evgeny Atamanenko. Image via Shutterstock.
Meditate for Mental Health
Making Meditation Mainstream (MMM) is a global meditation movement created in response to mental health challenges facing communities across the world. Meditation helps us cultivate a deeper connection to our self, nature and each other. MMM launched a 28 for 28 challenge throughout the month of October encouraging everyone to meditate every day for 28 days. You can also join their free weekly MMM Sunrise Saturdays – a virtual group meditation – to help us spread good vibrations all around the world!
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Share a Churros Week
If running isn’t for you, don’t worry, you can raise money while you eat with this incredible offer! San Churro has teamed up with Beyond Blue this October to offer you double the churros! All you need to do is purchase Churros for One, Churros for Two or Kids Churros and donate an extra $2 to Beyond Blue to help them continue supporting those suffering with anxiety and depression all across Australia. This event is all about encouraging you to ‘share a churros’ with friends at a San Churro, at home, or virtually, to celebrate the importance of connecting with loved ones.
Photo by New Africa. Image via Shutterstock.
Sock It To Suicide
It’s time to dig out your jazzy socks or make a pair in time for Sock it to Suicide Week which is an annual event held every third week in October. Wear your craziest socks on your daily walk, to the office or to school to raise awareness of high suicide rates in Australia. You are encouraged to make a gold coin donation which will go to the White Wreath Association which aims to build a safe heaven centre, providing a ‘place of safety’ at times when suicide threatens. For this, donations will go towards building funds and covering the costs of the free services the White Wreath Association provides Australia-wide.
Photo by noPPonPat. Image via Shutterstock.
Stayin' Wild Challenge
This nationwide challenge is brought to you by Wild Women on Top – an organisation run by women for women – to inspire you to take on life changing adventures! The Stayin’ Wild Challenge is a four-week wellbeing program to help you feel fit, fabulous and remain connected in a time of physical distancing. Week 1 is all about putting your best foot forward with 10,000 steps a day; Week 2 is all about the glute burn by adding in 10 sets of stairs; Week 3, time to get lifting; and Week 4 is all about agility. All money raised goes to Beyond Blue. Get the girls together and sign up now for $25 – plus your first buddy goes free!
There are many more events and ways to get involved this October, head to your local government’s website for your most up to date schedule. If you or someone you know needs help, please head to Lifeline’s website for more information or call 13 11 14.
Need more self care in your life? Check out these 15 best wellbeing books for living your best life. Looking for a new hobby to cultivate mindfulness? Check out our Top 10 Hobby Subscription Boxes for Adults.
Showing your support has never been more important.
Let’s face it, 2020 has tested us all whether that be mentally or physically. Now more than ever we need to come together (safely and socially distanced) to raise awareness and show our support towards the work of our incredible Australian mental health charities.
Thankfully, this year October will also be paying tribute towards World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October) and World Mental Health Week which runs from Saturday 10 – Saturday 17 October 2020. Over the month there will be a range of virtual events and challenges hosted for every Australian to join in on.