News

Taking ReachOut Central mobile with Telstra Foundation

22 Sep 2014
The Telstra Foundation has today announced a new partnership with ReachOut.com to bring the award-winning game ReachOut Central into the mobile era.

“We’re delighted that Telstra Foundation has recognised ReachOut.com’s powerful effect on young Australians’ mental health - no matter what device they're using,” said Jono Nicholas, CEO of ReachOut.com by Inspire Foundation.

“ReachOut Central saw great success when it first launched in 2005, and now Telstra Foundation’s support will enable us to take it to the next level: mobile.”

The $500k partnership highlights ReachOut.com and Telstra Foundation’s shared belief in using tech for good, continuing six years of collaboration as co-chairs of the Technology for Wellbeing Roundtable.

“Telstra Foundation collaborates with community partners to unlock their digital potential to support what they do best – transform lives,” said Natalie Falzon, Telstra Foundation Social Innovation Manager.

“As co-chairs of the Technology for Wellbeing Roundtable, we’ve worked with Telstra Foundation to bring together industry, government, research and non-profits to drive innovation,” said Nicholas.

ReachOut Central is a ‘serious game’ - that is, a game designed for both entertainment and positive mental health impact.

“It’s crucial that we reach out to young people in ways that work for them,” said Nicholas.

“For us, this means working alongside them to create digital tools that are relevant to their lives and have a meaningful, practical impact.”

The power of ReachOut Central lies not just in its ability to engage a young person in learning skills that prevent mental illness, but in the scalability of the program.

“ReachOut Central, as part of ReachOut.com, has the potential to reach every one of the one in four young Australians experiencing a mental health difficulty,” added Nicholas.

We’ll be on the lookout for leading game designers and technology providers to help create the new ReachOut Central. Want to be part of something big? Get in touch.

Want to further support the new ReachOut Central? Donate today.