Supporting mental health in the midst of a crisis
World Mental Health Day on 10 October is a chance to highlight programs and tools from our partners, that support mental health and wellbeing for children and young people.
Youth mental health in Australia is facing a significant crisis:
- Nearly 40% of 16-24-year-olds experience mental health disorders1
- Financial barriers are preventing 21% of Australians from accessing necessary psychology services2
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 15-243
These stats can feel alarming but they’re not inevitable. We know that early intervention can positively influence mental health outcomes and prevent long-term mental health issues, particularly for young people. However, there are increasing barriers to accessing timely services.
So, we’re supporting non-profit organisations who deliver digitally accessible mental health services and resources, to reach young people early - and anywhere.
Resources for young people from Telstra Foundation partners
- Alannah and Madeline Foundation: Digitalk hub designed with Telstra’s support offers a range of resources to help children, young people and their carers experiencing a range of issues including resources on overcoming bullying, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
- Lifeline Australia: The Self Support Toolkit a resource for Australians to proactively manage their mental health. With our support they’re integrating this service into their existing Crisis Support Services which will mean they can follow-up an initial call from someone in crisis with personalised resources and a path forward.
- MINUS18: LGBTQIA+ young people are disproportionately affected by ill mental health. Of all LGBTQIA+ people, three in four (74.5%) had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life (compared with 41.7% of heterosexual people)4. MINUS18 provide resources and connection for young people designed to bolster their mental health and creative a more inclusive community.
- Orygen Digital: Are leading the sector when it comes to developing digital mental health solutions for children and young people. They have several digital mental health products.
- MOST, an online digital mental health service
- Mello, a free mental health app that can help young people break free of stuck thinking (a precursor to anxiety and depression)
- MIND a cutting-edge suite of immersive VR tools, designed to deliver transformative therapeutic experiences
- Rainbow Families: The Little Rainbows online hub, shares strategies, resilience building tools and real lived examples from young people to help children with LGBTQIA+ parents feel a sense of connection and belonging.
- ReachOut: Provides a digital hub where young people can openly express themselves, connect with people who provide judgement-free support, and build resilience to manage their challenges.
- YourTown (Kids Helpline): Niggle is an app developed by YourTown to focus on early intervention. It’s a wellbeing toolkit to connect with other young people experiencing similar challenges.
Mental health resources for all ages
Mental health challenges can happen to us at any stage in our lives.
You can also:
- talk to someone you trust
- contact your GP, a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist
- visit a hospital emergency department.
Article references
- National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Report to the Nation 2023 (PDF, 939KB)
- Suicide among young people
- Mental health findings for LGBTQ+ Australians
