The need.
the impact.
1 in 4 young people between the ages of 15-19 meet the criteria for having a serious mental illness in Australia and many more risk worsening symptoms without intervention.
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The top 3 issues of personal concern for young people are coping with stress, school and study problems, and depression.
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Unfortunately, many young people face significant barriers in raising these concerns and accessing available supports in their community.
53% of young people need support with mental health in their lives
42% of them do not seek help.
[01]
Not knowing where to go for help
Feeling stigma or shameÂ
[02]
Concerns around confidentialityÂ
[03]
The biggest barriers to accessing mental health support are:
After experiencing a
The Champions presentation:Â
95% of students report a reduction in stigmaÂ
95% report an increased willingness to discuss
mental health
98%Â would recommend the presentation to others
Our Measurable Impact
Stigma Reduction
Recommendation
Speaking Up
We hear from students all the time who tell us our presentation gave them the....
Motivation to stop sitting on the fence, and start getting the support they deserve.
Courage to have a brave conversation with their parents or school staff.
Insight to know how to support their friends while looking after themselves.
"When we present mental health and suicide education as something core to the individual and the broader community, the impact can be profound.
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We're taking these very useful concepts in health science that often come across as a fictional case study, and turning them into something truly relatable and actionable.
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It starts with students actually listening and genuinely caring about these topics, often for the very first time, when they see the humanity in it."
Nic Newling
What They're Saying
“
Nic is a brilliant communicator who never talks down or seeks solace from an audience, combining information with humour and candidness.
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I have yet to hear of anyone not moved by his presentations while I am aware that he has saved lives.
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I regard him as one of the most exceptional people I have worked with and remain in awe of his multiple skill assets.
Prof Gordon Parker
Founder of black dog instituteÂ
​
ao scientia, professor of psychiatry, unsw
“
Natural, eloquent, funny, assured, inspiring.Â
Matthew Johnstone
author/speaker​
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Engaging, thought-provoking, and pitched at just the right level for the audience.Â
Michael Paine
city of ryde
"I realise it truly can get better.
I don't have to be stuck in an endless loop my whole life with no way out."
"It changed my view on psych wards; it showed me that they are not always oppressive and scary. It showed me that the worst of mental health issues can still have the hope for recovery."
"The session showed me how distinct mental health issues can feel for different people. I learnt that depression may not always feel like a constant state of sadness, but an absence of joy"
"I'm going to ask for help now even when I don't think I deserve it."
"It made me not lose hope.
So much of this was relatable."
"Great perspectives on how we can support people in different ways, rather than trying to just list solutions for them."
"I have friends with mental illness and it really helped me understand how they feel and how to approach them."
"I will go to the school counsellor to ask for ways to respond to my friends rather than saying things that wouldn't help."
