This March swim laps to save lives

Frontline digital mental health service ReachOut is calling on people across Australia to take part in Laps for Life – a swimming challenge  happening over March 2020.

Laps for Life was launched in 2019 to raise funds and awareness for young people in Australia living with mental health difficulties, and to help prevent youth suicide.

Laps for Life is open to everyone across Australia and is simple to take part in this March. People can get involved by visiting lapsforlife.com.au to register a personal swimming challenge and fundraise towards a goal. Participants set their own lap or distance goal and then dive on in. Whether they’re swimming in a pool or getting out into the ocean, they log their laps to record their progress.

Ian Thorpe AM, Patron and Board Member of ReachOut, is supporting Laps for Life and is once again calling everyone to jump in the pool for this important cause.

“In 2019 the Laps for Life community swam more than 16,000kms to help ReachOut continue its vital work when it comes to early intervention and suicide prevention for young people,” he says.

“Myself, and so many Australians know firsthand what it’s like to face mental health challenges. We can all do our bit to change the statistics when it comes to youth suicide. By swimming and raising funds for ReachOut, you’ll also be doing something great for your own wellbeing too.”

Last year, more than 1000 participants swam to raise funds, and many others shared stories and got behind one another in support of youth mental health and suicide prevention.

Helping yourself and others

Ashley de Silva, Chief Executive Officer of ReachOut, says swimming is also good for you.

“Swimming – and exercise in general – is a great way to improve our wellbeing. And at the same time, swimmers help raise funds for the work ReachOut does to help so many young Aussies through whatever life throws at them,” he says.

To register to take part in Laps for Life, visit: lapsforlife.com.au.