Raising money for mental health

Box Hill Insitute''s Diploma of Sport Development students are helping organise the Move for Mind Fun Run.

By Romy Stephens

This year’s Move for Mind Fun Run will be held at the Box Hill Institute’s Lilydale Lakeside campus on 15 September to raise money for mental health.

The Institute’s Sport Development students will join forces with Belgravia Leisure and the Belgravia Foundation to host the event, which will feature races from 2.5km to 10km.

Last year, the event raised over $10,000, with all proceeds going to the local region to support positive mental health programs.

Box Hill Institute’s Sport and Recreation teacher Simon Carlile said events like the fun run are a great way to help those suffering from mental health issues.

“Mental health is a major issue in society and we know the benefits of these types of programs can change people’s lives forever,” he said.

“It’s great to see Box Hill Institute showing its support for such a great cause and partnering with prominent organisations in the community.”

Belgravia Leisure is an Australian leisure management organisation and the Belgravia Foundation is a group that helps connect people with a disability, of diversity and those who experience disadvantage to active lifestyle programs.

Belgravia Leisure Community Development Coordinator Aleksei Bondarenko-Edwards said the event will also help Box Hill Institute students establish industry connections.

“The event enables us to connect to those in the community who experience disadvantaged access to leisure, fitness and their local community,” she said.

“We love working with the Box Hill Institute’s students because we can raise much-needed funds to support people living with mental health problems and we can to do so by providing a unique learning experience for local tertiary students.”

The Move for Mind Fun Run will lead into Box Hill Institute’s Lilydale Community Festival, where visitors will find free activities ranging from campus tours, workshops and demonstrations, face painting, live music and 3D printing demonstrations.