Ms Dempsey has just returned home after taking part in the Bhutan Trek to Happiness through the Himalayas.

Her mission was to raise as much funding as possible for the Black Dog Institute, a not-for-profit organisation and world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. 

Ms Dempsey said the Trek to Happiness was life-changing.

“The Trek to Happiness was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life,” she said.

“Reaching heights of 4300-metres and trekking through mud, snow, wind and rain made the journey tough yet memorable.

“Learning the ways of the Bhutanese people and culture was extraordinary as Bhutan measures its success on gross national happiness. They are considered the ‘happiest country in the world’.”

Ms Dempsey said her participation in the Bhutan Trek to Happiness would not have been possible without the support of family and friends.

“I would like to thank the Stawell community and everyone who helped me with the fundraising for this trek,” she said.

“A total of more than $12,000 was raised, with a large part of the funds going towards the Black Dog Institute.”

The Black Dog Institute works to empower communities through education, reduce the stigma of mental health and provide innovative, effective and accessible treatment strategies.

“Raising awareness of mental health and encouraging people to talk more has really been the highlight for me,” Ms Dempsey said.

“Breaking the stigma of mental health is a huge issue within our society so I hope that I have been able to contribute towards decreasing it in some way.”

In the lead up to the trek Ms Dempsey balanced her training with a strenuous fundraising campaign.

“Mental illness can be crippling and isolating,” Ms Dempsey said.

“It is also treatable, however, only 45 per cent of people with a mental illness will actually seek appropriate treatment.”

Lauren’s Bhutan Trek to Happiness was organised through a company called Inspired Adventures which is also focused on raising much-needed funds for the Black Dog Institute. 

Black Dog relies on people in the community to help fund its work.

“This is an important cause for me as I believe reducing the stigma of mental health in our community,” Ms Dempsey said.