KENDALL teacher Pete Roberts has seen the very real effects of the mental health challenges faced by the youth of today, with a young Australian lost to suicide every day.
For the last four years, Mr Roberts has been part of “Laps for Life”, a fundraising initiative of ReachOut, an online mental health service established in Australia in 1998 as a resource for supporting young people dealing with cyberbullying.
“I started teaching in 2010 and quickly realised that teenagers are facing a lot of things, and mental health issues are often at play,” he told News Of The Area.
“Mobile phone use has become more of a problem, with online bullying and exclusion a huge issue.
“I enjoy swimming for general health and fitness; but I’m also motivated to participate for personal reasons.
“Thirteen years ago, a friend and teaching colleague lost their child to suicide following struggles with bullying.
“My friend was unaware of the extent and impact of it on their child’s mental health until it was too late.
“On a positive note, I have definitely noticed a change since there have been restrictions on mobile phone usage in schools, as well as the reduced access to social media.”
On Sunday 22 March, a Laps for Life event will be held at Kendall Community Pool with funds raised supporting ReachOut initiatives including resources and support services.
Mr Roberts’ team, the Happy Lappers, is aiming to swim 50.65 kilometres to raise $2026.
His personal goal is 811 laps of the 25-metre pool.
The event includes raffles and a sausage sizzle and will run from 10am-1pm.
The community is invited to attend to support the swimmers.
By Rachael THORPE
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