Bendigo Health’s 2024 Move for Mental Health Challenge raised $77,989 to support an Exercise & Wellbeing Program specifically designed for regional mental health patients.
Since its inception in 2020, Move for Mental Health – a virtual fitness and fundraising challenge for all abilities – has raised close to $400,000 to improve wellbeing and recovery outcomes of mental health patients throughout the Loddon Mallee region.
Bendigo Health’s Acting Director of Fundraising and Foundation, Carlie Ryan said it was amazing to see the support from the community in this year’s challenge
"We are delighted to have exceeded our target for the 2024 Move for Mental Health Challenge. The community's support has created awareness and raised important funds for mental health patients. Funds will go directly to provide access to exercise programs and help reduce barriers to exercise for mental health patients. We are able to fund fitness equipment, gym memberships, art therapy supplies and a range of other wellbeing items to best support the individual patient.” she said.
Local patient Austin Shrubshall has been using the Exercise & Wellbeing Program for over a year.
"Thanks to the Move for Mental Health program I am now accessing the gym and attending their groups such as art, walking group and tea and coffee group ran by lived experience workers. These groups help me feel included in society and I can express myself and get others opinions from those who understand and don’t judge. It brightens my spirit and transforms me into a new person," he said.
To learn more about Move for Mental Health or to contribute to this impactful cause, visit www.bendigohealthfoundation.org.au/m4mh.
