Why I swim
Mental illness and ill health seems like an inescapable part of being a person in this world right now. ReachOut is a free online service for young Australians and parents/carers. They run a Peer Chat, which is available for 16-25 year olds to reach out to volunteers with lived experience and/or expertise. ReachOut receives funding from corporate donors and the Commonwealth Departments of Health and Social Services, but around half of their funding comes from donations by people and smaller businesses (see page 13 of their 2024/25 financial report at https://about.au.reachout.com/getasset/38U20W). I would love to see more investment from government. But I also think this fundraising campaign will bring awareness to ReachOut amongst my circles; it's a free resource for all young Australians and it should be used! I'll be swimming 1km/per day in March and donating $1/km to the service. Many small donations go a long way!
I'm swimming to save lives
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people in Australia.
More than 1 in 3 are experiencing mental health difficulties, yet over a million are not getting the support they need.
ReachOut provides anonymous, free and 100% online services so young people can find a safe place to connect, share and get help when life feels overwhelming.
I’m taking part in Laps for Life to make sure these vital services are always there. Please donate to my fundraiser and help more young people get the support they deserve.
My Swim Progress
Completed
31.00km (1,160 laps)
My goal
31km
My Impact
So far I’ve raised $809 to provided 202.29 young people experiencing mental health difficulties with vital support.
Top Donation
$258
Dirima, Joe & Jules
Shoutout to Dirima, Joe & Jules – my biggest supporter so far with a $258 donation to help young people get the mental health support they need through ReachOut!
Funds Raised
Note: displays max previous 3 years of fundraising only
Thank you to my
supporters
$258.48
Dirima, Joe & Jules
$83.56
Jim
Go Haze! Every little bit helps :)
$69.92
Nina
You are so cool
$64.67
Kirsty Sadler
Well done you 😍
$56.24
Isabella Coombs
love your work!
$52
Hazel Dortch
$52
Phoebe Lines
Hell yeah, Hazel!! So proud of you gorgeous human! <3
$43.60
Anonymous
Go Hazel!! So important!
$27.81
Beatrix Dimsey
You are incredible! Love your work(swimming)!!
$22.58
India Smith
⭐️
$20
Grace Fong
Go hazel!!
$20
Anonymous
Good on you and good luck☺️
$15
Phoebe Evans
Great stuff hazel!!!
$11.65
Lola
Wooo go Hazel!
$11.65
Sashini
Awesome work!
Go Hazey! We are so proud of you. Love Mum, Dad & Jules ❤️