This national challenge will give students the opportunity to share their insights, test assumptions, and generate fresh ideas for how mental health support can be made more relevant and accessible in 2025 and beyond. It's not just consultation - it's empowering young people with the design thinking skills and tools to deep dive into their needs. 

“Young people are experts in their own lived experience. By putting them in the driver’s seat, we’re not just asking what they think – we’re empowering them to design the solutions they want and need.” said Margaret O’Brien, Executive Director of Strategy & Innovation at Young Change Agents.

We’re proud to be working with Young Change Agents because their design challenge model provides critical insights while staying true to our commitment to being youth-led and impact-driven.

With more than 20 workshops taking place in regional, rural, and metro communities across the country, the challenge will build a powerful national picture of what young people need from mental health support.

Above: Photos from one of the first workshops conducted at Palmerston College, NT.

This consultation process is also central to reimagining the next evolution of OurHerd, batyr’s digital storytelling platform. OurHerd is a safe, supportive space where young people can share personal stories about mental health and wellbeing, and hear from others who’ve been through similar experiences. It breaks down stigma, builds connection, and shows young people they’re not alone.

Now, we’re working with young people to help write the next chapter for OurHerd – a new, inclusive, and impactful version of the platform that reflects the realities of life today. By involving young voices directly in shaping the platform, we can ensure OurHerd continues to be a space where digital storytelling empowers, educates, and inspires.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Young Change Agents as we look to further embed young people’s lived experience and ideas into OurHerd. Listening to young people is at the core of what batyr does. Our platforms cannot be for young people without having them involved!” said Alexander Santos, Head of Digital Product at batyr.

Together, we’re reimagining how youth voices shape the future of mental health support – and putting young people firmly in the driver’s seat.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call 000. You can find a comprehensive list of mental health support services here.