Inspire Foundation
The Inspire Foundation was established in 1996 in direct response to Australia's then escalating rates of youth suicide. Inspire combines technology with direct involvement of young people to deliver innovative and practical online programs that contribute to a reduction in youth suicide and improve young people's mental health and wellbeing.
Inspire aim’s through its online programs www.reachout.com and www.actnow.com.au to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 14-25 by targeting protective factors known to promote positive mental health as identified by the WHO I.e.: reducing stigma, increasing help-seeking, social connectedness and civic participation.
The Key to the ongoing success of our programs is the direct involvement of young people in the development and delivery of all Inspire initiatives. Based on the principles of youth participation models, Inspire ensures that its programs remain closely aligned with the needs, interests and language of young people. Preventative approaches that directly involve young people are proven to be more effective in building resilience and reducing mental health problems in participants.
The vital support from the Balnaves Foundation will enable approximately 600 young people aged 14-25 from rural, regional and metropolitan Australia to directly participate in Inspire’s programs over the next four years, enabling these young people to participate in developing ideas, making decisions on program goals and activities and playing key roles in service delivery.
Kylie (left) and Felicity (right) discussing what issues matter to them
Paticipants from all over the country at a Sydney Workshop
ActNow Workshop
Sailosi, Maija, Rachel and Alex brainstorm ideas