MEMBERS of the community have been challenged to ditch their technology devices for their mates, for their family or to simply do that thing they never have time for anymore.
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Karen Golland from headspace Bathurst said participants decide how much time they will commit to being tech-free and what they would like to do with that time.
Participants can commit to just an hour or two to Look Up, or make a daily commitment over the entire month.
“You can use Look Up as a personal challenge or invite your family, friends or work colleagues to get involved and Look Up together,” Ms Golland said.
Bathurst celebrates Mental Health Month each October.
“It’s a great time of year to reflect on what we’d like more of in our lives,” she said. “The Look Up Campaign supports this idea by offering participants a way of freeing up the time they need to focus on the things that are important to them.”
To get involved, simply pledge a set amount of online time and recommit that time to doing something you value such as going out for lunch with your friends, reading a book or doing some exercise.
“Whatever it is, you commit to doing it without being interrupted by your devices,” Ms Golland said.
“To remind you of the commitment you’ve made, you can place a removable Look Up sticker on your screen for the duration of the challenge.”
The sticker is easily removed once you’ve completed your time.
The idea to develop a local health campaign that encourages people to Look Up from their mobile phones was set in motion by the Bathurst Regional Youth Council, with support from headspace Bathurst Youth Reference Group and the Mental Health Month Committee.
Youth mayor Jayne Dwyer said they wanted a campaign that would be relevant to all demographics of the Bathurst community, not just young people.
“Look Up is simply asking people to consider balancing their technology use with other things they enjoy,” she said.
“It’s about reconnecting with friends and family, and having the opportunity to spend genuine time with the people you care about without being distracted by texts or emails.
Pick up a Look Up information and removable stickers from the Western Advocate, 2BS B-Rock, Bathurst Regional Council or headspace Bathurst.
Share your Look Up experience on the Look Up Challenge Facebook page or call Karen Golland on 6338 1100.
Visit headspace Bathurst online or call 6338 1100.
