ReachOut.com, Australia’s leading online youth mental health service, has gone mobile to provide critical services to a new generation of young people.
The service has been optimised for smart-phones and tablets so young people can access information and support where they need it, when they need it, in a space that suits them.
Leading-edge technology and design is being used to create an improved experience for young users.  New technology platforms will allow the service to support future tools and applications, and to take advantage of opportunities created by more widespread broadband internet access.
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler said the launch of the new site was linked to the Australian Government's new e-Mental Health Strategy.
“We know that one in five Australians will experience a mental illness every year. We also know less than half of these people will seek treatment."
“This service will help people to access online information and support as an alternative to traditional face-to-­face services, in their own time, in an environment in which they’re comfortable."
“Evidence backs the use of online services to assist those suffering mild to moderate mental disorders and distress, and it can also help combat barriers to conventional therapy.”
ReachOut.com currently receives more than 1.3 million site visitors per year.
Jonathan Nicholas, CEO of the Inspire Foundation, says: “With people increasingly seeking support and information online, initiatives such as ReachOut.com and the Government’s e-mental health portal, mindhealthconnect.com, are critical pathways to delivering mental health care and support.”
“Our key focus is young people. We are investing in smart and innovative solutions to deliver real mental health reform and more effectively reach, support and engage with large numbers of young people at low cost.”
“We are investing in research. Inspire Foundation is the lead partner in the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, whose research will underpin our future efforts to use technology to help young people.”
Content on ReachOut.com now focuses on specific actions young people can take to address mental health difficulties they are facing.  Language better reflects the way young people talk about issues affecting them.
Mr Nicholas concludes: “The improvements to ReachOut.com are the first of our new initiatives to ensure young people have access to all the tools they need to help them take control of their mental health when and where they need them.”
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About the Inspire Foundation (www.inspire.org.au)
Inspire is an Australian non-profit organisation established in 1996 in response to the then-escalating rates of youth suicide.  By combining the power of technology with the face-to-face involvement of young people, we deliver online programs such as www.reachout.com.au to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
For more information
Judith Parke, Fundraising Director , 0406 426 617 or judith@inspire.org.au
