Laps for Life – 2024: Impact statement

01 Jul 2024

Laps for Life is a month-long swimming challenge held annually in March which encourages participants to swim for their own mental health and, at the same time, raise funds for the more than 1 in 3 young people currently experiencing mental health challenges. 

2024 marked the event's 6th year running, and more than 10,500 incredible individuals across Australia participated in the challenge. Together, they swam an amazing 98,828 kms and raised $3.4M for ReachOut’s work to support young people’s mental health. 

Throughout the event participants shared their own stories and photos as well as providing feedback that they noticed a positive impact on their own well-being and felt a deeper sense of connection to their community by being involved. 

The funds raised from Laps for Life will help us to continue to provide relevant and impactful services to support youth suicide prevention.  

We will help more young people find a safe space online to connect to others to feel less alone, to feel better in the moment and connect to the mental health support they need. The funds raised will support the growth in the number of peer chat sessions we can provide, the improvement of our parents service and our focus on making ReachOut available where young people are.