Laps for Life raises $3.4 million to support youth mental health

This March, 10,519 participants swam a total of 97,642 kilometres, raising $3,429,625 to support youth mental health through the Laps for Life initiative.

Laps for Life have been swimming to raise money for youth mental health since 2019, with swimmers taking part all across Australia from Sydney to Burnie.

The money will be used to help support Reach Out , the leading online mental health service in Australia supporting young people during tough times.

The benefit for participants

Challenging yourself to dive into a swimming routine has huge benefits for mental health and wellbeing. Moving your body through water gets all the major muscle groups involved, and kickstarts the flow of feel-good chemicals through the body – a healthy dose of endorphins and a splash of serotonin.

It also helps take your mind off your worries as you deepen your breathing and release tension from your body. You have to focus on the present so that you don’t start daydreaming and drifting into the next lane, and pay attention to your breathing.

All this helps you get a better night’s sleep – important to feel stronger and more positive in the daytime. With a more regular sleeping pattern, you’ll wake up feeling rested and fresh.

Regular swimming practice also help you feel more confident about your body and happier in your skin. Swimming is easier on the body than a lot of other forms of exercise – making it a great choice for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those with injuries.

Swimming is also a great option for people who want to get active without breaking the bank. There are plenty of low-cost or no-cost swimming areas, including public pools, ocean pools, lakes, rivers, swimming holes and a mate’s backyard pool.

You’ll also get your daily dose of vitamin D and may even meet new people.

Benefits for young people in need of help

More than one in three young people in Australia currently experience a mental health difficulty, and more than one million of them are not accessing professional support. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for 16-24 year-olds in Australia. ReachOut helps young people feel better about today and the future, no matter what challenge they’re facing. They provide a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, explore what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who understand their situation, and find the resources to help them manage their challenges now and in the future.

Anonymous, free and 100 per cent online, ReachOut has been designed specifically for – and with – young people. ReachOut Parents and ReachOut Schools provide valuable information, resources and advice to help parents, carers and educators to better understand the young people in their lives and to play an active role in their wellbeing.

Last year, ReachOut provided support to more than 2.5 million people.

Image supplied: Laps for Life