ReachOut Australia has released its latest social impact report. The comprehensive report showcases ReachOut’s services, the positive impacts the organisation is having on youth mental health in Australia, and its priorities for the future.
Young people in Australia are struggling with their mental health. More than one in three young people in Australia are currently experiencing a mental health difficulty (ABS). Despite high levels of distress, more than one million of them are not accessing professional support (ABS).
The report found that almost 3 in 4 young people (74%) using ReachOut services faced at least one barrier to accessing mental health support elsewhere.
The research is clear, Australia is experiencing a youth mental health crisis. Mental health services must be effective and accessible, which is why ReachOut has strengthened its commitment to impact measurement.
By understanding the positive changes that can happen for the young people, parents, carers and educators who use ReachOut’s services, the organisation can better identify what forms of support are most effective, and ensure they meet young people’s needs.
The report captures key results across the three dimensions of ReachOut’s Social Impact
Model – reach, engagement and outcomes – for the 2023–24 financial year.
It highlights how ReachOut is connecting with those who need support, how users are engaging with the support options the service offers, and how they are experiencing positive outcomes through using the products and services.
Highlights
- Young people using ReachOut’s services believe they’re safe and reliable spaces.
- 88% of young people find our content useful.
- 89% of people using our Online Community feel it’s safe.
- ReachOut’s services are having an impact
- 76% of young people say our content, social media and videos have increased their mental health literacy.
- 80% of educators and health professionals say our content gives them greater knowledge of support strategies.
- 74% of young people who used PeerChat said they felt better after speaking to a peer worker
What do our users say?
- ‘I feel as though I have adopted new skills as a parent, and I feel more confident. Thank you for always listening and being so understanding during the sessions.’ (Parent/Carer participating in Coaching program, November 2023)
- ‘Engaging with this program has come at a time when our family really needed it. I can’t recommend this service highly enough.’ (Parent/Carer participating in Coaching program, November 2023)
How do we plan on helping young people in 2025?
- We’ll strengthen our reach to First Nations communities by co-creating new social and emotional wellbeing resources.
- We’ll amplify the impact of our evidence-based content by harnessing AI technology, ensuring young people receive personalised support, faster.
- We’ll seek to strengthen the impact of our PeerChat service, by connecting young people with support that best meets their unique needs.
- We’ll deliver important mental health support to parents and carers through our new Instagram account (@reachout_parents).
- We’ll continue to identify and explore innovative and better ways to measure the impact of our services.
