You know the phrase ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’? 

Well, we can relate, because every part of ReachOut.com is based on the latest evidence and best practice. We collaborate with leading academic experts and specialist service providers to make sure ReachOut.com is as effective as possible. We think ReachOut.com is excellent, but that’s really because it’s underpinned by the knowledge of researchers, experts and young people, as well as by our team’s hard work.

And we’re constantly trying new things. This means we’ve got a lot in development, including testing new e-mental health interventions such as apps and games.

Student Snapshot

The transition from primary school to secondary school is a significant time of change. In fact, research from the NSW Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation highlights a decline in students’ engagement in their education and sense of belonging during this time. One of the key protective factors for supporting students through this period is the early development of strong student–teacher relationships.

To support teachers to build these relationships with their students and to create a tailored wellbeing program for them, ReachOut has developed an evidence-based digital tool called Student Snapshot. 

Student Snapshot is a simple, free, digital alternative to paper-based transition questionnaires. This student wellbeing self-assessment survey can be used to generate individual student profiles and a cohort wellbeing overview with resource recommendations for teachers and parents/carers. 

ReachOut developed Student Snapshot in collaboration with teachers and students, and it was trialled successfully in over 40 Australian schools in Term 1 2020. Currently, it is in development for a national rollout.

ReachOut NextStep

ReachOut NextStep makes it easier for young people to navigate the range of available mental health services by recommending customised support options – online and offline – based on a person’s symptoms and how significantly those symptoms are affecting them.

Recommendations range from immediate access to information and tools for self-care such as factsheets, apps and personal stories, to links to online chat or peer-to-peer forums, or referrals to face-to-face and telephone support services. The tool can be accessed for free from any desktop, tablet or mobile device via ReachOut.com.

Partners: NextStep was developed in partnership with the University of Melbourne and the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre.

CBT worry-scheduling app: ReachOut WorryTime

ReachOut WorryTime, which is available for iPhone and Android mobile devices, helps users control anxiety by scheduling worrying so that it’s confined to a specific time each day. Learning to capture and then postpone worrying makes it less intrusive and can bring about a greater sense of control. Download the app now for iOS or Android.

Partners: Thanks to Lotterywest and the Centre for Clinical Interventions.

Tools and Apps

Tools and Apps assists young people to find professionally reviewed mobile apps and tools that support them to look after their health and wellbeing.

Partners: Thanks to the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, Queensland Institute of Technology and Flinders University.