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October is Mental Health Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the critical issue of youth mental health. In our fast-paced world, the well-being of our young people is more crucial than ever before. This blog article is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of October Mental Health Month and highlighting the grassroots charities and programs that play a vital role in supporting youth mental health.
With youth mental health being a growing concern, the research reveals alarming statistics. Did you know that a staggering 50% of all mental ill-health begins before the age of 14? This statistic underscores the importance of prevention and early intervention in addressing issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse among young people.
As one of the Be BlueRock Foundation's key cause areas, we are dedicated to championing youth mental health through our corporate giving and fundraising efforts. BlueRock actively collaborates with a range of organisations that provide vital assistance to young individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.
The Australian Psychological Society has reported a significant rise in Social Anxiety Disorder presentations among 6-12 year-olds, emphasising the urgency of the issue. Additionally, recent research from Beyond Blue has shown that suicide accounted for two in five deaths among people aged 15-17 years (40 per cent) and more than one in three among those aged 18-24 years (36 per cent).
To tackle these challenges head-on, numerous charities and programs are making a difference in the lives of young Australians. Here are some noteworthy organisations and initiatives you’ve probably heard of:
Encourages open conversations about mental health and offers support to those in need.
Addresses men's mental health issues and supports vital research.
Provides immediate assistance to individuals in crisis.
Offers in-person and online support and resources for youth mental health.
Focuses on cutting-edge research to better understand and treat mental health conditions.
Preventing youth mental health issues is a collective effort. You’ve likely heard of the organisations listed above but we have some more grassroot charities that you may not have heard of that focus on young people. Several organisations are working diligently to empower young people with the skills they need to navigate life's challenges:
Being one of our charity partners, these programs educate children about important topics like bullying, drugs, and relationships in early education and primary schools.
Initiatives like our charity partner Ocean Mind and Waves of Wellness use therapeutic surfing to promote mental well-being.
These programs and camps help students develop essential life skills.
Promotes social inclusion and health outcomes through sports, arts and recreation.
Offers support and resources for individuals living with mental illness.
Conduct workshops to address the unique needs of boys and girls.
The Be BlueRock Foundation is now supporting TYIF who integrates grassroots youth charities to reduce duplication to amplify the impact of charity programs on youth.
Provides legal support to individuals facing mental health challenges.
Focuses on eating disorder prevention and support.
These organisations engage young people to raise awareness about mental health.
Combats bullying and empowers young people to stand up for what's right.
Supports Indigenous-led solutions to prevent youth suicide, emphasising connection to culture and country.
Supports rural communities in addressing youth mental health issues.
When young people are in crisis, organisations like Kids Helpline provide essential 24/7 phone and online counselling services, offering a lifeline for those aged 5 to 25.
Beyond preventative programs and crisis helplines, adults can role model and help children. Given that adults spend a large portion of their time in the workplace, businesses can also play a role in supporting good mental health. Ideas for businesses to support mental wellbeing include:
Even the smallest of improvements in your business can make a difference to your employee's mental health. We hope that the initiatives BlueRock implements for our employees can inspire you to do the same. See BlueRock’s perks page for additional initiatives on how to create a great work environment and support your employee's well-being.
October Mental Health Month reminds us of the importance of nurturing the mental well-being of our youth. By supporting grassroots charities, educational initiatives, and businesses committed to the cause, we can collectively work towards a brighter future where young people are empowered to thrive mentally and emotionally. Get in touch with our philanthropy consultants to learn how you or your business can make a difference.