Quarter 1, 2025 - Impact Update

Over the last 10 weeks, our programs team reached more than 9,800 young people across QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC and SA. After taking part in the batyr program, more than three quarters of young people said they’d be able to support a friend experiencing mental ill-health.

• In Queensland, we delivered mental health education to schools in Southport, Coomera, Logan, Ipswich, Mt Gravatt and Ascot.
• In New South Wales, we delivered programs far and wide across the state! We reached school students and teachers across metro Sydney, including at our partner universities USyd and UTS, and also visited schools and campuses regionally including Cootamundra, Taree, Bulli, Armidale and our partner, The University of Newcastle.
• In Victoria, we delivered programs at schools across the state, including in Albert Park, Canterbury, Braybrook, Kew, Mickleham, Williamstown, Wheelers Hill and Geelong.
• In South Australia, we reached students with mental health education in Parafield Gardens, Novar Gardens and Marryatville.

After the programs, students shared:

“I will make more time for myself, reach out to friends who seem like they are struggling and talk to someone for myself or friends.”  Year 9 student, QLD

“I understand that it's ok to have good and bad days. I will understand that on bad days, I can be in my zone and if things are bad for days, I can seek help.” Year 9 student, NSW

“I will talk more to my family and friends if I ever feel sad. If someone I know needs help I would let them know I am there for them and recommend them to a counsellor if needed." Year 9 student, VIC

This quarter, we trained 17 young people through 3 Being Herd workshops, empowering them to share their lived experiences in a way that is both safe and impactful. Some of these young people will go on to share their stories of hope with thousands of students across the country as part of our batyr@school and batyr@uni programs. Check out what our participants had to say after attending the Being Herd workshops;

“A safe and non judgmental space was created that made learning and sharing comfortable.”

“It was a truly transformative experience. I learnt so much about myself as I learnt to write and share my story.”

Over the last 10 weeks, we attended a number of events across the country, including Mardi Gras Fair Day, Cost of Living Week at The University of Queensland, and a Take it to the Streets Session with MADE Concepts.

We love being on the ground chatting to young people and opening up doors to positive mental health conversations that help reduce the stigma. At these events we share our free mental health resources and tools like OurHerd to help the community take charge of their mental health during stressful or challenging times.

We are thrilled to share that batyr has been selected as one of 24 grantees for the ICONIQ Impact Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab - a $200 million collaborative philanthropy fund, committing to 5 years of funding in support of youth mental health organisations addressing youth anxiety and depression around the world. We are one of only two organisations in Australia, alongside our friends at Orygen. 

The 5 years of funding will support batyr’s digital platform, OurHerd - a safe digital space for young people to open up about tough times and learn from each other's experiences. Developed with young people and 75 mental health experts, OurHerd empowers users through peer to peer connection - reducing isolation, building community, and providing practical coping and management skills. 

We are also excited to share that we have received a further 2 years of funding support from Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund. This funding is in support of our batyr@school program delivery nationally, empowering young people nationally to live mentally healthy and fulfilling lives.

Throughout our four part series, In-Car Conversations shares tips to help parents and caregivers navigate important discussions, offer actionable advice to support young people on their mental health journey and shines a light on lived experience stories that inspire hope. 

We’re incredibly grateful to our inspiring Lived Experience Storytellers, Dr Tim Sharp and our generous partners at The Audi Foundation for their commitment to driving change for youth mental health.

Last month we held our annual swimming challenge, Splash the Stigma, which saw our amazing fundraisers across the country raise an incredible $94,313 for youth mental health! These crucial funds will allow 3,144 young people access to our preventative mental health programs in schools and universities.

Last month our team, along with our CEO Katie Acheson, attended Fitzy, Wippa and Kate Ritchie’s Back Cricket at Kirribilli House to raise funds and support youth mental health. Joining some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment, our team also spoke with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns. 

After the game, which was played in an incredibly competitive spirit, NOVA Entertainment and Medibank generously donated $10,000 to support our preventative youth mental health programs.

The batyr team came together for an exciting ideation and planning session. Bringing in the OurHerd team, Growth Committee members, and an incredible group of young people who shared their incredible fresh perspectives and energy! The session was all about thinking big, no limits, no constraints. Together, we explored innovative ideas and started shaping the future of OurHerd, with young people leading the conversation. A huge thanks to Rothschild & Co for hosting us in their incredible office.

This quarter, batyr has been actively engaging with the government to drive meaningful change for young people’s mental health. We submitted our Pre-Budget proposal, calling for investment in lived experience training, peer-to-peer programs, and safe online spaces to help end the youth mental health crisis. 

In response to the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Agreement, we stated recommendations for;

• Prompt finalisation and implementation of the National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Strategy.
• Stronger youth inclusion through high-quality peer workforce training, and free access to mental health and suicide prevention services for all individuals under 25. 
• Increased investment in peer-to-peer prevention initiatives both online and in person.

Ahead of the Federal Budget, we also shared young people’s thoughts on what they wanted to see included. We’ll be continuing to put young people and their communities at the forefront, and we remain committed to working collaboratively with policymakers and government to ensure young Australians have the support they need to thrive.

We've got plenty of exciting opportunities for you to get involved across the next 3 months, including our online fundraiser Stigma-Free Streamers, the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge, as well as sharing your own story of hope on the OurHerd app and through our upcoming Being Herd workshops.

If you need mental health support, there’s always someone to lean on - find a free, confidential support service below.