ANU will launch its inaugural Day of Giving campaign in support of The National Institute for Mental Health Research (NIMHR) as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The ANU Day of Giving on Wednesday 7 October aims to bring the ANU community together to support Mental Health Research at ANU, raise mental health awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness.

The goal is to raise $50,000 in 24 hours so that NIMHR can continue to develop new ways of preventing mental illness and tackling suicide.

Two generous donors have made a commitment to match total dollars raised by up to $50,000.

Libo Yin, Bachelor of Information Technology honours student, knows firsthand what is was like to live with depression. At 16, while living in China, he was struck with the illness.

"It's an entire decade ago but there has been a lot of struggle between that point and now when I am about to graduate," he said.

"I sort of feel like it is my obligation to help to find a solution because I don't want anyone else to go through the same suffering I did."

This month Libo was one of 24 ANU students to help put mental health back in the spotlight when they role from Dubbo to Canberra as part of the Protect Your Head Campaign.

The three day journey raised more than $8,300 for NIMHR. Read more about their ride on the ANU website.

Show your support for NIMHR by joining Thunderclap to donate your social media voice for a worthy cause.

Alumni Relations and Philanthropy will also host a barbecue in Union Court to support the Day of Giving on 7 October.