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Over the last 10 weeks, we delivered 81 programs and workshops across NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT and SA.
Our final Being Herd workshop of the year received some truly heartwarming feedback that reinforces how impactful the intimate setting of our Being Herd workshops are; At the end of the workshop, 100% of participants felt confident to share their lived experience, 100% of participants believed their story was worthy of sharing and of being heard and 100% of participants believed their story could have a positive impact.
“A wonderful experience, ultimately very positive and something that will help me enormously with my capacity to speak publicly, develop and share my story and perspectives. It felt balanced, supportive and well facilitated. A sense of community was present throughout and everyone held space without judgement, and with total support.”
Being Herd participant
November, 2023
We kicked off Term 4 with the Hume City Council and The Sebastian Foundation for a Mental Health Forum to mark World Mental Health Day.
batyr storyteller Sharanjit shared her inspiring story of hope with students from 10 local high schools, followed by a moving keynote speech from Guy Sebastian.
We headed to Surfers Paradise to join thousands of Year 12 students from NSW and QLD during their Schoolies celebrations. It was so great to hear lots of positive feedback around the OurHerd app, and how students were planning to look after themselves during the break.
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From left: Annual full day program at Sydney Grammar, with world record holder and mental health advocate Blake Johnston; staff and participants after attending a Being Herd workshop with headspace Collingwood; Head of Marketing Abi Andrew with influencer Jenna With The Pink at Schoolies celebrations.
batyr announced as first Australian charity partner of Selena Gomez's Rare Impact Fund
We're incredibly proud to share that we're the first Australian charity to partner with The Rare Impact Fund, founded by the one and only Selena Gomez!
Selena Gomez launched The Rare Impact Fund in 2020 as part of her commitment to addressing mental health and self-acceptance, with the goal of raising $100 million to address youth mental health.
Former CEO, Nic Brown and Head of Major Gifts and Philanthropy, Lucy Steggles were invited to attend the first Rare Impact Fund Benefit to meet Selena and the Rare Impact Fund Team and explore more ways of enhancing the partnership.
batyr was featured in The Daily Telegraph, Vogue Australia, and InStyle Magazine.
Read more
Annual White Elephant Ball raises over $83,000 for batyr
For its 9th year, the Tamworth community came together to raise an incredible $83,663 for batyr. Former CEO Nic Brown and Lived Experience Engagement & Delivery Lead Shikye Smith MC'd the event, and it was a huge success!
These funds will support youth mental programs in their local community. A huge thank you to the volunteer committee who donate so much time and effort to make this event happen year after year.
Photos by Alpine Films.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins star-studded cricket game to support batyr
Sebastian Robertson (batyr Founder), Ellen Derrick (batyr Chair) and Krisztina Javor (Head of Partnerships) joined big names in sport and entertainment, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns for Fitzy, Wippa and Kate Ritchie’s Backyard Cricket game at Kirribilli House.
After the game, NOVA Entertainment and Kayo Sports generously donated $10,000 to support our preventative youth mental health efforts.
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Program Evolution: Situational Analysis and Initial Insights Review
To keep up with the changing mental health needs of young individuals, we've been working on updating and expanding our programs for schools, universities, and communities. This initiative is a result of careful planning and collaboration with both internal and external partners and stakeholders to ensure our programs remain impactful and aligned with our vision.
Our Development and Delivery Team are currently in the process of finalising these updates for 2024. We can’t wait to share more about our revised program offerings next year!
Read the full report
batyr's Annual Giving Day raised almost $223,000!
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Our 2023 Giving Day saw our community come together and support the mental health of young people, with 622 donors helping us raise an incredible $222,920!
Your generous donations will enable us to reach a further 7,262 young people through our preventative mental health programs.
A big thank you to all of our volunteers who generously donated their time to help call our supporters, as well as our amazing matching partners Cooper Investors, Corporate Match 2.0, Ethical Partners Funds Management, Waratah Education Foundation and a private philanthropic partner.
After a massive year, we’re taking a break and recharging for 2023. If you need someone to talk to over the break, there’s always someone to lean on. Over Christmas, you’re still able to reach out to these support services if you need.
Thank you for being an integral part of the batyr family - we hope you have a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with hope and connection!