Moving for your mates – and mental health

From May 1–31 this year, the MATES Big Lap initiative will see participants running, walking, swimming, and cycling to combat suicide and bolster mental health in the construction, mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

During the inaugural MATES Big Lap in 2023, participants covered over 80,000km, the equivalent of five laps around Australia. Their actions raised awareness of mental health in these sectors and generated more than $120,000 through 1,490 donations.

In 2024, MATES aims to nearly double that and complete nine laps around the country in recognition of the nine people who die by suicide every day in Australia. MATES Australia CEO Chris Lockwood notes that male construction workers face suicide rates twice that of other male workers and are eight times more likely to die by suicide than from a workplace accident.

“In rallying together for MATES Big Lap 2024, we’re not just moving for fitness; we’re moving to make a statement – that every step, every lap counts towards breaking the stigma around mental health and turning the tide against suicide in our vital industries,” Lockwood says.

You can register or make a donation via the MATES Big Lap website.

The MATES Helpline provides 24-hour, seven-days-a-week suicide and mental health support services on 1300 642 111.