Laps for Life - 2025: Impact Statement

20 May 2025

Laps for Life is a month-long swimming challenge held annually in March which encourages participants to swim for their own mental health and, at the same time, raise funds for the more than 1 in 3 young people currently experiencing mental health challenges. 

2025 marked the event's 7th year running. More than 10,000 incredible individuals across Australia participated in the challenge. Together, they swam almost 90, 000 kms and raised over $3.6M for ReachOut’s work supporting young people when it comes to their mental health. 

Community and stories are both at the heart of Laps for Life. Throughout the event, participants shared their stories about swimming and mental health with each other, on social media and in places like TV and newspapers too. And many participants told us that they felt a deeper sense of connection to their community by being involved. 

The funds raised from Laps for Life will help ReachOut continue to provide relevant and impactful services in support of young people when it comes to their mental health and suicide prevention. From one-to-one support from experienced peer workers, as well as tips, stories and resources, ReachOut offers a wide range of mental health support options that allow young people to engage in the ways they want to, when they want to.

The funds raised via Laps for Life enable young people across Australia to access ReachOut’s free, safe and anonymous mental health support when they need it most, so that they can feel better, more connected and less alone. The funds from Laps for Life support the provision of key services by ReachOut including the ongoing development of ReachOut’s one-to-one peer support service PeerChat and the growth of the ReachOut Parents coaching service which enables parents and carers to effectively support their young people through mental health challenges.