When we created our foundation, we asked BlueRock staff about the things they care most about. Here’s why we choose to support youth mental health programs in Australia.
The statistics around youth mental health are staggering. According to Beyond Blue :
- Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australians.
- Over 75% of mental health problems occur before the age of 25.
- One in seven young people aged 4 to 17 years old experience a mental health condition in any given year.
- One in ten young people (aged 12-17) engage in self harm.
- And unfortunately, young people are less likely than any other age group to seek professional help.
It’s not surprising, given these stats and the non-discriminatory nature of mental ill health, that BlueRockers chose youth mental health as a key area of impact for the Be BlueRock Foundation. We’re passionate about supporting organisations who are making a difference in the lives of young people.
Putting our Words into Action for Youth Mental Health
We asked some of our BlueRockers why supporting youth mental health is so important to them.
Mel Derbyshire, Facilities Manager at our 525 Collins St Office, is passionate about supporting organisations that, “help prepare young people for the pressures, stresses and changes that they will face in the future and empower them to speak confidently about their feelings, as well as equipping them to be well adjusted members of their families, workforce and community”. We couldn’t agree more, Mel!
The Be BlueRock Foundation has partnered with two amazing charities that focus on improving the mental health and resilience of local young people.
Ocean Mind Youth Mental Health Programs
Ocean Mind is a grassroots charity run out of Torquay on Victoria’s amazing Surf Coast. It’s a community surf movement that provides therapeutic surf programs for young people who are experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation and disabilities. Using a mix of surfing, mentoring and fun, Ocean Mind creates a therapeutic environment for young people to challenge themselves, learn new skills and flourish.
Making Young People Aware of Mental Health
When Hannah O’Sullivan, Receptionist and Office Coordinator, was younger, speaking about mental health challenges was considered taboo. This is why she believes it’s “important to let young people know that it’s okay to speak up – even if you feel like you are the only person in the world feeling this way”.
Early Intervention in Metal Health Matters
Another organisation that the Be BlueRock Foundation directly supports is Life Smart Kids , the fundraising arm of Life Ed Victoria . This is an impactful preventative health organisation that provides vital life skills for children. With the help of Healthy Harold, Life Ed Victoria gives kids the smarts to deal with the hard stuff. Their health and wellbeing programs provide children in Victoria with the vital life skills they need to thrive, with programs designed to encourage students to translate their learning into action.
Our Technology Coordinator, Daniele Buatti, puts it simply: Our young people need to know that they “are inherently full of worth and value just by existing in this world” and mental health charities play a pivotal role in spreading this message.
Supporting Youth Mental Health Made Easy
Our Be BlueRock Foundation makes getting involved in philanthropy easier. And it gives our staff and clients a great opportunity to get involved in philanthropy and have a deep and long-lasting impact. Learn more about how to create a corporate giving strategy for your company or family. We’re happy to share the process we went through in choosing the cause areas and charities that matter most to us to support you to do the same.
Alternatively, you can support the Be BlueRock Foundation in the work we’re doing with these amazing grassroots charities working in our cause area of youth mental health. Donations made to our foundation are tax deductible.
