Taskforce sets new challenge

Wimmera Drug Action Taskforce, WDAT, is set to host another August Winter Challenge.

The taskforce has organised variations on the challenge in previous years, but said this year’s event would include several changes to keep it interesting for participants from past years.

For the 31 days of August, participants will be encouraged to complete a range of activities, including one goal each participant would like to complete every day, such as exercise, reading or abstaining from caffeine or alcohol.

WDAT coordinator Sally Pymer said the challenge had been running every August since 2016 and aimed to be as family-friendly as possible.

She said members of Victoria Police were keen to promote the challenge this year.

Police Inspector Di Thomson said the challenge would encourage people to develop healthy habits.

“Focusing on health can decrease chances of being involved in alcohol-related incidents with police at a later date if moderating their intake of alcohol is a priority,” she said.

“Exercising, eating healthy, caring and looking out for others, building self-esteem and looking after mental health can all be factors to reduce the chances of using alcohol or other drugs.”

Mrs Pymer said the challenge would help people do some simple, healthy things and have fun at the same time.

She said the WDAT aim of minimising the harms of alcohol and other drugs could be aided by people being socially connected, engaging in physical activity, and doing things they enjoy.