Our impact
We push for better mental health for all Australians by sharing mental health facts, reducing stigma, boosting physical fitness, encouraging connection with others, and raising funds for key mental health charities in Australia.
Since 2017, we've become Australia's largest mental health and fitness event and hit some pretty epic milestones along the way.
900M +
push-ups
completed so far
(yep, that's 900 million!)
500K
participants
have been involved in the push for better mental health so far
$40M +
funds raised
for mental health charities in Australia
(keep scrolling for the deets)
Smashing the stigma
Unfortunately, stigma around mental ill-health is still present in 2024. We're here to change that by raising awareness and starting conversations around the mental health issues affecting everyday Australians.
98% of our 2023 participants said that mental illness was destigmatised after completing The Push-Up Challenge
88% had mental health conversations as a result of The Push-Up Challenge
Creating and building connections
The Push-Up Challenge encourages participants to team up with friends, family, colleagues and others in in their lives, which left them feeling more connected in 2023...
93% said they felt connected through taking part in The Push-Up Challenge
96% said it made seeking help easier
Connecting with others helps foster a sense of belonging and community. Plus, it combats loneliness, which is one of the leading sources of poor mental health.
Better physical & mental fitness
Our mission is to push for better health and wellbeing for everyone. Research shows that exercise can improve our mood and physical health, and it’s great to see our push-up community felt the same in 2023
99% of participants said they felt fitter and stronger after completing The Push-Up Challenge in 2023
97% also said their mood improved
The link between physical and mental health is strong, with research showing that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant treatment for mild-to-moderate depression.
Empowering students
We know that by encouraging younger generations to speak openly about mental health and lead by example, they can help transform the future of mental health in Australia.
That's why we engage students in mental health awareness, education and advocacy through our Student Ambassador Program.
Over 31,000 students participated in 2023
500 Student Ambassadors were empowered to drive positive change in 2023 through training and support
We equipped our Student Ambassadors with the tools and resources needed to encourage their schools and local community to get fit, connect and learn about mental health.
Lucia's story
"The Student Ambassador Program gave me the skills I needed to better support those around me who may be going through a hard time with their mental health. We were also able to build a solid foundation at our school to openly talk about mental health and suicide prevention. ”
Lucia, Student Ambassador - Radford College
Help us push for better in 2024
By participating in The Push-Up Challenge 2024, you'll not only make a difference to your own physical and mental fitness, you'll also have the opportunity to make a difference across Australia by raising funds for one of our 2024 beneficiaries...
Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help. For 60 years, Lifeline has been connecting with Australians in need through crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Lifeline is available 24 hours a day to listen, without judgement, to any person in Australia who is feeling overwhelmed, experiencing crisis or longs to be heard.
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through headspace services in 155 communities across Australia, online and phone counselling services, vocational services, and their presence in schools.
The Push for Better Foundation exists to bring people together to push for better mental health and proudly runs The Push-Up Challenge event.
We believe education is the single most important tool for breaking down the stigma and fostering open conversations about mental health.
How we did in 2023
300M +
push-ups
for better physical and mental health
215K
participants
coming together to push for better
$14.7M
funds raised
for Lifeline, Movember and The Push for Better Foundation
2023 fundraising impact
The following beneficiaries are using the $14.7 million raised in 2023 to provide mental health support where it's needed most. Here's how...
Thanks to your generosity, funds raised are helping to ensure that Lifeline’s critical support services are accessible to anyone who needs them – anytime, anywhere. Funds have enabled Lifeline to answer over 114,000 potentially lifesaving calls.
The funds raised for Movember are now well on their way to making a difference by supporting pioneering mental health programs like Movember Ahead of the Game, which strengthens the mental health literacy and resilience of young people through sport and interactive workshops.
Through your fundraising efforts, The Push for Better Foundation can continue to operate and run The Push-Up Challenge while delivering on their three key foundations of education, connection, and health and wellbeing by raising awareness of the mental health issues affecting everyday Australians.
Impact stories
Ruben's story
Francis's Story
Rae's Story
Iain's Story
Kinahoi's Story
Wendy's Story
Lisa's Story
