Kathmandu has announced a new partnership with mental health organisation, Beyond Blue, to encourage Aussies to get 'out there' to improve their physical and mental health.
The partnership follows the announcement of Kathmandu's new brand direction, which centres on experiencing the positive benefits of being in the outdoors.
"A core part of Kathmandu’s renewed purpose of improving the wellbeing of the world through the outdoors is to encourage more people to feel the transformative power of being out there in nature to live their best life," Kathmandu CEO Reuben Casey commented (pictured right).
The collaboration will see Kathmandu become the official partner of #teambeyondblue, supporting those who take on anything from individual fitness challenges, to large-scale running, cycling or swimming events.
The business' support will also go directly to the Beyond Blue Support Service, which has seen an increase during the pandemic.
"Kathmandu has always known that the outdoors changes our brains for the better and the science shows that when we spend time out there our stress goes down, our empathy goes up and we become more creative and happier," Casey added.
"That means we act differently.
"Nature makes us more happy and open and free and fun.
"It’s a beautiful truth that Kathmandu wants to celebrate and what better way than partnering with Beyond Blue, an organisation committed to helping people achieve their best possible mental health," he said.
Kathmandu's partnership with Beyond Blue follows a study of 1000 Australians, examining their interaction with the outdoors in their daily lives.
Kathmandu's research found that that 43% of respondents average just one hour or less in the outdoors each week.
The business' study found that people who spent more than two hours out in nature in the last week were 50% more likely to report high levels of happiness, creativity and optimism, and were twice as likely to report high levels of energy.
The research also found 86% of Australians wanted to spend more time outdoors because it makes them feel relaxed (39%), happy (20%), refreshed (14%), free (11%) and balanced (8%).
"Spending time enjoying Australia’s great outdoors can have a positive effect on our mental health, so Beyond Blue’s partnership with Kathmandu is a natural fit as we work to support everyone in Australia to achieve their best possible mental health," Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman added.
"Every dollar will go to the Beyond Blue Support Service, which is staffed by mental health professionals who are ready to provide free, immediate and confidential counselling, advice and referrals online or over the phone," she continued.
"We thank Kathmandu for their support," she said.
To celebrate the launch of the partnership - and to kick of a series of events as part of the deal - Kathmandu invited Sydneysiders to ride a 37 metre zipline at Sydney Harbour on June 11.
Aussie favourite G Flip (pictured left) also performed as part of the celebrations.
The Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via the Beyond Blue website for online chat (3PM – 12AM AEST or email responses within 24 hours).
The new Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Service is available 24/7 on the Beyond Bleu website. Its dedicated phone line, staffed by mental health professionals briefed on the pandemic response, is now open on 1800 512 348.