We're only a few weeks away from restrictions starting to lift in NSW, but you might not feel quite ready to get back on the social scene.
That's ok - there are plenty of other ways to keep yourself busy and one of them is getting active for a good cause. Not only will you be doing your health a favour, but sign up for a challenge in October and you'll be doing something to help others!
Research has shown that doing good boosts your health and wellbeing, so choose your own adventure and get moving in October for Mental Health Month, rally around your local community, or raise your heartbeat for a worthy cause.
Get moving for Mental Health Month
Black Dog Institute - One Foot Forward
Join Black Dog Institute in solidarity for the one in five people in Australia who experience symptoms of mental illness every year. Together we can show them they are not alone.
One Foot Forward is a free virtual walking event perfect for everyone. It’s easy to take part and gives you the chance to get moving for a great cause this October! The challenge is to walk 40km, 60km, 80km or 100km during Mental Health Month and raise funds for vital mental health research.
By taking part, you’ll be joining a community of incredible people walking in solidarity for Australians living with mental illness.
20% of Australians experience a mental illness – that's one in five of us.
For the first 20 days in October, Waves of Wellness are challenging you to immerse yourself in cold water and raise funds for their mental health surf therapy programs which support those in our community who are struggling the most.
This cold-water therapy challenge strengthens your mental and physical health, as you fundraise to help others. Win-Win! So whether you surf, swim or have a cold shower... take to it like a duck to water!
ReachOut Australia - Make a Move for Mental Health
One in four young Australians are currently experiencing a mental health difficulty. But there’s an even bigger problem - 70% of those who need help don’t get it. And, suicide remains the leading cause of death of young Aussies.
When you dedicate 15, 30 or 60 minutes every day throughout October to move your body, improve your state of mind – or a combination of both – you'll be making a positive move for your own wellbeing while you raise funds for ReachOut Australia. You’ll also be making a positive move to save young lives.
Rally around our local community
Westpac - Base to Base Challenge
Base to Base is a brand-new fitness challenge which will see you walk, ride, run or roll the distance between any of our four Westpac Rescue Helicopter bases across Northern NSW throughout October.
Missions range from 42km to 1386km. You and your team can collectively clock your kilometres to travel the distance and complete a mission. Or, choose to fly solo!
Once you’ve chosen your mission, use your Base to Base page to raise vital funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to keep them ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Got Your Back Sista - I Run for Her
On 24 October from 7am, Got Your Back Sista invites you to run or walk solo, as a family or as a team* to show your support for people affected by domestic abuse, past or present. You get to choose the distance, location, and route suitable for you. Ask your friends, family and colleagues to make a donation to sponsor you to run or walk.
Sadly, many women and children have been living through COVID-19 isolation and its aftermath with domestic abuse. Domestic violence is never acceptable! The 'I Run for Her...to take the next step' run is a reminder to all people experiencing violence that the community stands behind them to reach out and ask for help.
*in line with any current public health orders
Raise your heartbeat for a worthy cause
Heart Foundation - My Marathon
MyMarathon is your opportunity to help raise funds for lifesaving heart disease research, while challenging yourself to walk or run 42.2 km over hours, days or weeks during October.
You can do it on your own, or as part of a team with friends or colleagues. What’s more, you can do MyMarathon anywhere - from your backyard, to your local park, or your nearest city block.
Get fit this October, and run, walk, or roll 67km to help RSPCA’s inspectors stop cruelty towards animals. Run with friends and family across the country in a team, or challenge yourself and run solo. Every dollar you raise will help RSPCA’s inspectors rescue dogs, cats, sheep, goats, birds, and more.
With 67 animals experiencing cruelty every day, there’s never been a more crucial time to challenge yourself and run to the rescue.
Sign up and support people on the autism spectrum.
You might be a seasoned runner, new to running or just simply need a new challenge. Get fit and healthy while changing lives one kilometre at a time! Choose your challenge – 10km, half or a full marathon, or set your own distance.
You can run across the eight days or even in one day during 31 October - 7 November. The choice is yours! When you sign up you'll receive a free 10km Training Plan (beginners/intermediate level) and Nutrition Guides.