March on for life-changing remote mental health care this month during the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) Fit to Fly Challenge. Photo: Supplied.
Whether through a morning walk, lunchtime laps or an evening stroll under the moonlight, covering just three kilometres a day can make a difference in remote mental health care.
Queenslanders are being urged to lace up their sneakers this March for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) Fit to Fly Challenge.
The challenge, which kicks off on 1 March, is a virtual fitness and fundraising campaign to support the delivery of vital mental health services for people living in remote, rural and regional Australia.
According to the RFDS (Queensland Section), about one in five rural and remote Australians experience a mental illness — a figure similar to major cities.
The key difference is in the limited accessibility of mental health services in rural and remote areas, making the services RFDS offers in Queensland potentially life-saving.
RFDS (Queensland Section) Fit to Fly fundraising manager Katherine Rowe said the campaign was a meaningful way for Queenslanders to improve their own wellbeing while supporting the mental health of others.
“Fit to Fly is about getting active for your own health while helping us deliver essential mental health services to communities that need them most,” Katherine said.
“For many people living in remote and regional Queensland, access to mental health services can be limited.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and by walking three kilometres a day this March, participants are helping us ensure no one is left behind, no matter where they live.”
Participants can register online, set a fundraising goal and share their progress with friends, family and colleagues to encourage donations throughout the month.
To register or donate, visit www.fittofly.org.au.
