Why we do it
We believe that young people have the power to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. We believe that young people can:
- feel in control of their mental health and wellbeing;
- value themselves and their place in the world; and
- use technology to help make sense of who they are, to connect, to learn and to grow.
While youth suicide rates have declined by 56% since 1997, suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people aged 14 -25.
Our research tells us that only 30% of the young people who need professional help with their mental health get any kind of help at all. This means that 70% of young people who need support and information are left to try and figure out their mental health and wellbeing alone.
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But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Inspire’s programs make it easier for young people to get the help they need when they need it. ReachOut.com offers information and support that help young people to better understand and take care of their mental health and wellbeing.
We also recognise that although targeting young people is crucial to achieving our mission it is only one piece of a ‘whole of community’ approach. That’s why, as well as providing a world class mental health service for young people through ReachOut.com, we also:
- Lead research on technology, young people & well-being;
- Support schools to foster resilience;
- Help deliver relevant, accessible and appropriate clinical services for young people; and
- Share our expertise within and across sectors through consultancies to help even more young people.
To ensure that ReachOut.com remains relevant and accessible to all young Australians we directly involve young people in every aspect of our work; we build trusted social brands that are a part of young people’s landscape; we insist everything we do is underpinned by research and evaluation and we’re not afraid to innovate.
The greatest testament that ReachOut.com works comes from young people who have benefited from the service:
“At 15 years old, I hated the world, I hated myself. I was trapped in a deep dark hole of depression. I was miserable, scared and felt so alone. I withdrew from life. I could not turn to my friends or my family. I felt like I had no-one except for my one wish. What I dreamed and wished for every day made my home life and depression bearable. It was something I clung on to. It was my hope. My wish was that when I went to sleep I would not wake up in the morning and that I would no longer have to face another day.
When people ask me how I came to be involved in Inspire or how I found ReachOut.com, I usually just answer “I stumbled upon it on the internet”. This is true, but it’s not the whole truth. I have finally come to a point in my life where I can answer without the fear of judgment and no longer feel the shame or guilt.
The day I came across ReachOut, I was searching for a way to end my life. ‘Suicide’, ‘quick’ and ‘easy’ were the three words I typed hoping I could find my exit from this world. Amongst my search results I found ReachOut.com. ReachOut.com is not just another website; I like to think of it as a journey.
I know for me, when I first started to engage with the site I mainly used fact sheets and stories to gain an understanding of what was happening to me. As time progressed I felt more and more comfortable and started to engage in a different way and started to use the online community forums, where I felt safe enough to explore the issues I faced, and other young people were able to provide support and encouragement. This eventually led me to seeking help in my community through counselling.
Today when I go to sleep I no longer wish that I will not wake up. In fact, I am excited about what the next day will bring.”
Stacey, 24, ReachOut.com Youth Ambassador
To achieve our vision we need to work with a community of young people, professionals, families, donors, teachers and supporters who care deeply for young people and their wellbeing. Learn more about how you can get involved and support our work.
