The Push-Up Challenge is a nation-wide initative and highlights the horrendous statistic of the 3318 people who died by suicide in Australia in 2019

headspace Bendigo manager Lindsay Rose said one in four young Australians will experience a mental health issue with 75 per cent of the disorders developing before the age of 25.

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"We'd love to see schools, businesses, sporting teams, community organisations and fitness centres getting right behind The Push Up Challenge to ensure as many people as possible get the mental health message," he said.

"It's been encouraging to see so many people have already started the challenge but the more the merrier.

"And we'd absolutely love to see people and organisations fundraising for our centre by using our link to help our staff continue to provide support and care for young people in need."

Youth reference group member Jed Zimmer is taking the challenge up a notch by completing 1000 push-ups a day for the month of June while also pledging to walk a marathon and complete 3318 push-ups on June 30 to raise $5000 for Bendigo headspace.

"It's a challenge for myself and a big cause but I know how important it is," he said.

"This challenge is nothing compared to the challenges people face and the work headspace does for those people.

"Health has been important for me and my mental health and raising awareness of support services is the primary objective."

Mr Zimmer said since going public with his challenge, he's seen many people reach out for support.

"It's crazy," he said. "A lot of people have reached out and said what a difference The Push-Up Challenge makes.

"This can make a difference."

Participants are encouraged to fundraise for headspace Bendigo, Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee or The Push For Better Foundation during the challenge.

Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee was one of the first organisations to take The Push Up Challenge and executive officer Lisa Renato was proud to be a part of the initiative.

"Wonderful initiatives such as The Push Up Challenge are important because they provide a positive platform for people to raise awareness about mental health and open the channels of communication for those who may be experiencing poor health or short-term crisis," she said.

"The funds raised for Lifeline will go towards training more accredited volunteers who provide over the phone support to help seekers throughout our region.

"We've had a range of organisations getting behind our local Lifeline centre; AFS Accountants, Bunnings Epsom, Marong SES to name a few using this to challenge themselves and workmates, while talking about the importance of strong mental health in their teams."

The Push Up Challenge is for all ages and all abilities. Participants can aim for a percentage of the daily push-up target and mix it up with some sit-ups, squats or tailored exercises.

To donate to the Bendigo headspace page head to: thepushupchallenge.com.au/beneficiary/headspace-Bendigo

To donate to the Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee page head to: thepushupchallenge.com.au/beneficiary/Lifeline-Central-Victoria-and-Mallee

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