STUDENTS dropped down to give those with mental health a boost in Lake Macquarie on Wednesday.
St Mary’s Gateshead students gathered down on the school oval on Wednesday, June 18, for the annual Push for Better Push Up Challenge, which raises funds and awareness for mental health.
Organised by the senior leaders, a total of 10,004 push-ups were completed by students from across year 7 to 12 to break their target of 3144.
College leader Ben Breasley, who completed 50 push-ups, said this year’s charity of choice was Headspace.
“We’re getting the whole school down here hoping we can get everyone doing as many push-ups as they can for Headspace,” he said.
Peer and leader Macy Nash said her school was raising funds through donations and a sausage sizzle on the day.
“We are doing this to support Headspace and mental health, and I think the way we’re getting the community involved is great. It’s really good to spread awareness,” she said
With workout beats blasting on the speaker, the school sports field was filled with exercise mats for pupils to rise to the challenge.
Community members, including Lake Macquarie Police senior constable and youth Elke Watt, were also invited down on the day to participate.
“I think it’s really important especially for someone in my position to come down on a positive day and support the students,” she said.
Constable Watt said it was essential to build connections and engage with students.
“These kinds of times are when you can build relationships and the students can see us as normal people that struggle doing a few push-ups,” she said.
“So when we come in to give education packages or need to speak to them, it makes it a lot easier when we’ve already got that connection, it’s about breaking down the barriers and building relationships.”
