Not only did almost 650 participants lower their own stroke risk by taking on their own physical challenge, they raised vital funds for StrokeLine (1800 787 653), Australia’s only dedicated national helpline for stroke survivors and their families.  

I sincerely thank those who took part and the families, friends, colleagues and community members who backed their efforts. I am excited to announce that with your support, we collectively clocked up more than 47,000 kilometres and raised almost $140,000 for StrokeLine. These donations will enable Stroke Foundation to continue to provide this vital telephone support service when it is needed most.

Sadly, there will be 56,000 strokes in Australia this year. That is one every nine minutes.

Stroke attacks the brain – the human control centre, changing lives in an instant. The impact of a stroke is felt well beyond the individual, with families’ lives also turned upside down.

Most of this year’s Striders know this story only too well after either suffering a stroke themselves or witnessing the impact of stroke on someone they care about.

But stroke’s impact doesn’t need to be this great. Around 80 per cent of strokes are preventable. We must turn the situation around for the better. We must work together to prevent, treat and beat stroke.

Looking after our own health is the first step. Physical inactivity is now the second highest risk factor for stroke behind high blood pressure, so it’s time to follow the lead of our Striders and get moving. So this new year, make a commitment to your health – check fit, check lean and get checked (blood pressure), it could save your life.

A small donation will help us continue to make great strides in the fight against stroke. Visit www.stride4stroke.org.au

For many of us, year’s end is a time to finish work or school for the year, unwind and settle into holiday mode.

Other people may find the festive season very difficult, particularly those experiencing isolation, loneliness or mental health issues. These experiences can be heightened as we are bombarded with messages of family celebrations, gifts and holidays.

Thousands of young people may be facing big life changes, such as starting a new school, awaiting exam results for higher education opportunities or beginning a job. Losing the normal routine and structure of school, regular contact with friends or having to financially support themselves can make this time particularly challenging.

University or TAFE students may also face stress. Some young people may have less parental contact leaving them vulnerable and changes in their mental health going unnoticed. Families and friends are key in helping a young person get support.

Knowing the signs and symptoms something might be wrong and then how to get help is important. Being withdrawn, not wanting to be with friends, not doing the things they would normally enjoy, ongoing worry or irritability are just some of the things to look out for.

If you need support or advice, headspace is here to help, providing support to young people aged 12-25 who are going through a tough time. This can include support around mental health, physical health, work and study or alcohol and other drugs. No matter where you are, you can access help through one of our 100 centres in metro, regional and remote areas of Australia, which you can locate on our website headspace.org.au.

Help can also be accessed via eheadspace.org.au providing online and telephone support between 9am-1am (AEDT), seven days-a-week, including Christmas Day.