To use conversations and community engagement to raise awareness and develop initiatives that support good mental health, positive wellbeing and suicide prevention
Providing professional support to the Ski for Life family
Mates on a Mission.
What is Mates On a Mission? (MOAM)
Hold on to your legs and don’t close your eyes! Ski for Life supports Mike Rolls and Ben Pettingill, affectionately known as Legless & Blind. Ski For Life is a South Australian charity committed to promoting mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in rural and regional Australian communities. The Mates On A Mission program is an exciting initiative designed to make a positive impact on such communities.
Mike and Ben are a couple of great mates that are down to earth, love having a laugh but also know how to talk about the things that we often avoid. Both of the fellas know first hand what it’s like to face tough times and battle with their mental health. Mike contracted Meningococcal at 18 resulting in the loss of his legs and Ben lost 98% of his eyesight overnight at 16. Throw these two incredible stories together, add a few laughs plus the importance of looking after yourself and your mates and you've got a session that everyone can take something away from.​
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Ski for life teams and members are able to apply for grant funding and support to help get 'Mates on a Mission' to their community, schools, clubs and surrounding area. Details of previous events and to register your interist having Ben and Mike in your community, see the links below.
Previous Events, Supported by Ski for Life Teams
If you were paying close attention and holding onto your seat you might’ve spotted the Ski for Life – Mates on a Mission program making waves in the Barossa!
Thanks to Ski for Life and the incredible Schmidski Team, Mike Rolls and Ben Pettingill (better known as Legless & Blind) brought their energy, humour, and powerful stories to local schools during the day and connected with the wider community each evening.
They shared heartfelt experiences, had a few laughs, and opened up about some of life’s tougher challenges.
Ski for Life teams are encouraged to lead and support resilience programs like Mates on a Mission in their own communities. These programs typically run over five days, reaching schools, sports clubs, community groups, and beyond—bringing people together and starting important conversations.