MATES Big Lap 2024: “Move for your MATES” – Galvanising Australia for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health

01 – 31 May 2024 Following the ground-breaking success of 2023, the MATES Big Lap initiative is poised to return with even greater momentum in 2024. This year’s theme, ‘Move for your MATES,’ embodies a powerful message of unity and support, driving this national fundraiser in its mission to combat suicide and bolster mental health in the Construction, Mining, Energy, and Manufacturing sectors.

The inaugural MATES Big Lap in 2023 set an inspiring benchmark, uniting participants from diverse backgrounds in physical activities like running, walking, swimming, and wheeling. Collectively, they achieved the extraordinary feat of covering over 80,000km, the equivalent of 5 laps around Australia, significantly raising awareness and garnering over $120,000 through 1,490 donations.

As we approach MATES Big Lap 2024, our ambition is not just to double participation but also the distance covered. Our poignant goal for this year is to complete 9 big laps around Australia, representing the average number of suicides each day in this country. This target is a stark reminder of our mission and importance and underscores our belief in the vital role of physical health in maintaining mental well-being.

“MATES Big Lap – Move for your MATES” in 2024 stands as a rallying call for individuals, businesses, and communities to come together in physical activity. This is not only for their health (physical and mental) but as a gesture of solidarity and support for their mates. Chris Lockwood, MATES Australia CEO, highlights the significance of this event: “In rallying together for MATES Big Lap 2024, we’re not just moving for fitness; we’re moving to make a statement – that every step, every lap counts towards breaking the stigma around mental health and turning the tide against suicide in our vital industries.”

The sobering reality is that male construction workers face suicide rates twice that of other male workers, and are eight times more likely to die by suicide than from a workplace accident.

MATES Big Lap 2024 transcends being a mere fundraising event; it’s a movement uniting us in the pursuit of a world where mental health is a priority, and suicide is averted. Join us in exceeding the remarkable achievements of last year – let’s collectively move for our MATES, lap Australia 9 times, and create a lasting impact on countless lives.