Residents in Melbourne’s north and west are being challenged to take part in the Ducktober campaign.
The campaign asks participants to immerse themselves in water for 20 days during October to raise awareness for mental health.
Waves of Wellness is the mental health surf therapy charity behind the challenge, and delivers free clinical-based group programs on the beach, with a learn to surf component built in.
According to Waves of Wellness, their “health by stealth” approach has helped over 1700 people across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
According to Lifeline Australia, the service is on track for its busiest year in its 57 year history, with 694,400 calls made to the service this year, to August 20, 2021.
Waves of Wellness chief executive and co-founder Joel Pilgrim said the increase in calls to Lifeline was behind the challenge.
“There’s never been a more important time to look after our own mental health, than right now,” Mr Pilgrim said.
“Australians have been through a lot in recent times, so our Ducktober campaign is encouraging people to focus on wellbeing, by doing what makes them feel great.
“We’re calling this out in a fun way, for a great cause.”
Waves of Wellness is asking people to “give a duck” for the one in five Australians who experience mental ill-health.
Michaela Meade
