SWIM STRAIT FOR LIFE

Since being at university, I have been exposed to both individual and community-based impacts of mental health issues. More importantly, I am now understanding just how far-reaching mental health issues are, and how important it is to address not only the big issues of mental health but also the more subtle and underrated elements of negative mental well-being.

After experiencing personal tragedy in mid-2017, and seeing the lasting effects it has left on our community in Otago and those surrounding communities, I decided that things couldn't stay how they were. I was told, in wake of this tragedy, that things are able to change from a single person's actions. From this came the idea that I would swim solo across the Foveaux Strait in an effort to bring awareness to the importance of the mental health conversation in New Zealand and to promote the development of initiatives in communities that will support preventative action to avert mental health issues.

The swim itself if a challenging and grueling feat but the fight for a healthier and stable New Zealand is one exponentially harder to achieve. Despite the swim being a draw factor for people's interest into this campaign, my main purpose is to bring greater awareness and understanding of how we can prevent people in New Zealand from entering into a potentially dangerous mindset.

I will be making the crossing on the 12th February 2019 (13th and 14th as weather back-up dates).

The money generously donated by you will be halved, and given to Otago University Students' Association and Mental Health Foundation for the purposes of making a lasting impact on both a local and national level.

I am invested in the positive health and well-being of my peers, community, and nation. This campaign is simply a stepping stone to making this cause a reality.