|
Two charities very close to my heart that affect millions of Australians every year
|
|
|
The journey is entirely self-funded but I am looking for sponsors to aid with equipment donations or transport to and from the countries - namely transporting our hopefully unbreakable Toyota Land Cruiser! However, the primary aim is to ensure I raise as much awareness and funds for our two charities, so if you'd like to donate please click on the button which will take you to the donation page.
|
beyondblue
An estimated 45% of Australian people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. beyondblue encourages people to learn about the symptoms and types of stress, anxiety and depression, and hopes to provide everyone, young and old, with information to recognise how these issues can affect people, and simple strategies to understand what to do if it happens to them, or someone close to them.
Research shows that high levels of mental health are associated with increased learning, creativity and productivity, more pro-social behaviour and positive social relationships, and with improved physical health and life expectancy. In contrast, mental health conditions can cause distress, impact on day-to-day functioning and relationships, and are associated with poor physical health and premature death from suicide.
Research shows that high levels of mental health are associated with increased learning, creativity and productivity, more pro-social behaviour and positive social relationships, and with improved physical health and life expectancy. In contrast, mental health conditions can cause distress, impact on day-to-day functioning and relationships, and are associated with poor physical health and premature death from suicide.
|
But it’s important to remember that mental health is complex. The fact that someone is not experiencing a mental health condition doesn’t necessarily mean their mental health is flourishing. Likewise, it’s possible to be diagnosed with a mental health condition while feeling well in many aspects of life.
Ultimately, mental health is about being cognitively, emotionally and socially healthy – the way we think, feel and develop relationships - and not merely the absence of a mental health condition. |
|
While beyondblue’s primary focus is on the needs of people affected by depression, anxiety and suicide, we also believe that a better understanding of what we mean by mental health and how to achieve it will help everyone in Australia reach their full potential.
A few years ago a friend and I raised awareness of charity within our workplace on a 5000km motorcycle ride across Australia, and we were surprised and overjoyed with the support we received. Since that time I have suffered phases of depression and inability to cope, and I was immensely thankful to friends and family for the support received. This trip is in some way a celebration of over-coming those obstacles.
You can read more about this fantastic charity at their website here, where you will find all sorts of information on mental health, the aims of beyondblue and of course how to get involved yourself for raising awareness.
A few years ago a friend and I raised awareness of charity within our workplace on a 5000km motorcycle ride across Australia, and we were surprised and overjoyed with the support we received. Since that time I have suffered phases of depression and inability to cope, and I was immensely thankful to friends and family for the support received. This trip is in some way a celebration of over-coming those obstacles.
You can read more about this fantastic charity at their website here, where you will find all sorts of information on mental health, the aims of beyondblue and of course how to get involved yourself for raising awareness.
White Ribbon
White Ribbon is a male led global movement to stop domestic violence against women. Proudly, Australia has one of the biggest supported chapters in the world and I have been fortunate enough to be a White Ribbon Ambassador within Telstra for the last 2 years.
White Ribbon Australia’s focus is primary prevention - stopping violence before it occurs, by challenging the deeply ingrained attitudes, social norms and power inequalities that give rise to men’s violence against women and gender inequality.
In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, with a white ribbon as its iconic symbol.
White Ribbon Australia’s focus is primary prevention - stopping violence before it occurs, by challenging the deeply ingrained attitudes, social norms and power inequalities that give rise to men’s violence against women and gender inequality.
In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, with a white ribbon as its iconic symbol.
|
In 2013, the World Health Organization published the first systematic international review on the prevalence of violence against women. The review found that violence against women is a violation of human rights affecting more than one third of all women globally. The review concluded that the prevalence of violence constitutes ‘a global public health problem of epidemic proportions, requiring urgent action’. |
White Ribbon began in Australia in 2003. It is Australia’s only national male-led violence prevention campaign and is part of the largest global male-led movement to stop men’s violence against women. Activity focuses on primary prevention programs in schools and workplaces as well as advocating for change in attitudes and practices in the community, industry and in public policy. White Ribbon Australia is 90% community funded.
You can become involved with this campaign by following the guidelines on their website which can be found here. Their website also contains a plethora of information around domestic violence and where you can get help if required.
You can become involved with this campaign by following the guidelines on their website which can be found here. Their website also contains a plethora of information around domestic violence and where you can get help if required.
