Inspire’s Back to [High] School appeal lets young people know it’s OK to ask for help when they’re going through a tough time. A donation of just $44 will send a ReachOut.com pack to an Australian high school of your choice.
High school can be one of the most exciting and stressful times in a young person’s life. Along with the physical and emotional changes of adolescence, many young people are trying to cope with body image issues, bullying, anxiety, exam stress, relationships, drugs and alcohol.
Research tells us that only 30% of the young people who need help getting through a tough time get any help at all. Sadly, this means that 70% of young people in need of support and information are left to try and figure things out alone.
Inspire’s ReachOut.com service exists so young people can know they are never alone. We collaborate with young people and mental health experts to create an online mental health service that delivers personalised, actionable help wherever, whenever and however young people choose.
ReachOut.com is anonymous and available 24/7. It doesn’t judge, it doesn’t mock, or laugh, and it doesn’t give bad advice. It just makes it easier to find out what other young people have been through, how they dealt with their problems, and what experts recommend.
“When times got tough when I was at school … I had a long period of feeling alone. Having different interests to your peers while young, can be difficult and the feeling of isolation comes quite easily. I came across ReachOut.com towards the end of high school. From there I used the online forums to connect, explore coping strategies and eventually point me in the right direction to seek face to face help. ReachOut.com became a friend when I was in the library at lunchtime…
I don’t see any of my past and regret, but one thing I wish was that I came across ReachOut sooner – then that scary feeling of being alone wouldn’t have been around for as long.” Hayley, 23
The Back to [High] School appeal is an opportunity for you to get involved in letting Australian high school students know that they can find help and support atReachOut.com. We want to send ReachOut.com promotion packs containing posters, flyers and stickers to every high school across Australia!
In order to make sure the packs reach school students, we’ll be sending the packs to school captains. They know all the private places in public spaces where young people go when they’re feeling down. So we’ll be giving them stickers to put on the back of toilet doors, posters for the main corridors and flyers for study hall.
“Last year when the campaign was running, all the year 12s wore the ReachOut badges, and put the posters up in our common room. I got a feeling of acceptance from the idea that other people were okay with things not being okay.” Sarah, 17
“My school didn’t get a pack last time, but I know about ReachOut and am so surprised how many people I had to tell what ReachOut actually was, a lot of people at school have no idea this online help and info is available for them!” Gabi, 17
Last year, ReachOut.com helped over 500,000 young people. This year we aim to reach every high school student across the country. You can help us achieve this goal by making a $44 donation to the Back to [High] School appeal now.
