Climbing for mental health

A group of dedicated Aussies are trekking to Mt Everest base camp to raise funds

To say this local service is doing things differently would be an understatement. In May this year, roughly 20 people will trek to Mt Everest’s base camp to raise money for Momentum Mental Health.

Momentum Mental Health is a wellbeing and mental health service that focuses on prevention and getting people to consider their wellbeing before damage is done.

“We are determined to flip the way that we look at mental health and wellbeing as a community,” communications and partnerships manager Wendy Green says.

“The best part is that we don’t charge for our service. The Primary Health Network funds us to welcome people who have a diagnosis and who are ready to work on themselves, and then our own fundraising covers any other person who wants to come,” Wendy says.

“People take part in group and one-on-one programs and coaching and work towards personal goals to improve their mental health.”

As part of this mission, the team do regular events and fundraising – which is where Everest comes in, led by Momentum Mental Health chairman Chris Black.

“Everest has always been on my bucket list and it’s a way to prove to myself and my children that anything is possible,” Chris says.

“Life is short and can be futile, so I didn’t want to put off this dream.”

Each trekker is paying their own way for the trip, as well as raising $5500 – a dollar per metre hiked – for Momentum Mental Health.

“After announcing my intention to a few people, there seemed to be enough interest to open it up to the broader community and partner with Momentum Mental Health as our charity partner,” Chris explains.

“I wanted to challenge myself and bring people on a life-changing journey, and I’m really proud that our trek now has a higher purpose and meaning.”

In addition to Chris, who is passionate about mental health after experiencing a lifealtering accident in 2021, the trekking team includes local personalities like councillor Megan O’Hara Sullivan, people passionate about giving back to the community, and even a father-and-son duo.

The group will be returning to Toowoomba in mid-May, so keep an eye out for June Style magazine as we catch up with the participants about their journey, the challenges, and the wins.

To donate to this worthy cause,visit everest-base-camp-challenge2023.raisely.com/donate