BAYSIDE police are participating in a push-up challenge this month to raise awareness for mental health.
A total of 53 officers will attempt to complete 3,046 push-ups, one for each of the lives lost to suicide in 2018, in a group or on their own over the course of 21 days.
So far they have raised $1,355 in support of Headspace National Youth Mental Health Organisation.
Senior Constable Steve Middleton, a Redland Bay Water Police officer, got his colleagues involved during April and is coordinating the challenge.
He said his aim was to raise awareness of mental health and suicide and promote physical and mental wellbeing.
"The most important thing is that it gives me, and others, the opportunity to be part of a strategy for reducing suicide rates and improving mental health from the beginning, not just being a part of the outcome," Senior Constable Middleton said.
"The individual teams coming together allows us to have a support network and a bit of friendly competition and banter, all while raising money for a very valued cause."
Bayside Patrol Group Inspector Lindsay Kilpatrick said it was great to see so many local officers involved in the challenge.
"The friendly competition going on amongst everyone as they try to outdo each other for this wonderful cause is only doing good, for both the officers and Head Space," Inspector Kilpatrick said.
"They're fitting in these push-ups wherever and whenever they can alongside their colleagues and I think that says a lot, not only for their motivation, but also their camaraderie.
"It's been wonderful to get involved and be a part of the challenge."
The officers have until the end of may to complete their goal.
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