yourtown

Violence at home. Problems at school. Bullying online. Complex mental health. Kids are struggling, and they don't always have a trusted parent or adult they can turn to. Kids Helpline is there for those moments. The moments when a kid can't talk to their parents, their teacher, their friends. On July 24 – Kids Helpline Giving Day – we need to fund 9,000 calls for kids who have no one else to turn to. Just $55 funds a call. Help us reach our target: https://ytwn.in/40iSXHx

What makes someone good at their job? Experience and skills? Absolutely. But for Shane, one of yourtown’s Indigenous Employment Coaches, it’s also lived experience. When you’ve walked the same path as the young people you’re supporting, you just get it. You know how heavy things can feel when you're trying to figure life out with limited support and even fewer options. So, when we asked Shane why he shows up every day, his answer was simple. “Coming from a similar background to a lot of our members, I know how hard it can be to just get a start. You don’t know where to go or who to ask when you need help. I love being that person who can give advice or guidance and show them the unknown and possibilities.” Shane’s not just pointing young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the right direction – he’s walking the road with them, helping them believe they can build something better. This NAIDOC Week, we’re celebrating mentors like Shane. People who lead with culture and compassion, helping shape futures one conversation at a time.

Crisis, abuse, suicidal ideation, and complex mental health issues. These are just some of the experiences that Leigh, a counsellor at Kids Helpline, has guided kids through. According to Leigh, in the first moments of a call, "it's crucial to build rapport with the young person and earn their trust." Kids Helpline exists so that counsellors like Leigh can ensure that no kid in crisis goes unheard – the need is real and it's urgent. That's why this year, July 24 is Giving Day for Kids Helpline. We're asking for donations to make sure no child in crisis goes unheard. Anytime, any reason. If you can, please consider donating. https://ytwn.in/4494muE

Shane isn’t your average employment coach. Based in Browns Plains, Shane works with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 15 to 24 who might be feeling a bit lost, a bit stuck, or just need someone in their corner. And the way he connects? It’s a little different. “I use art and walking on Country to conduct one-on-one appointments and group session workshops. These approaches help me get to know my caseload and work out the best ways to build relationships and support them on their journey.” And for young people feeling anxious or disconnected, it makes all the difference. “They’re tools to help young people relax and distract themselves from what’s going on at the time.” This NAIDOC Week, we’re celebrating support that’s real, grounded in culture, and built on trust. People like Shane aren’t just helping young people find work – they’re helping them find their way.

Have you made sure your school is signed up yet? There's only one month to go til we bring Kids Helpline's largest anti-bullying lesson to schools Australia-wide! Don't miss your chance to get straight-up help with handling bullying: https://lnkd.in/gkvpNaYe

Know a school who may be interested in Mood Critters, Kids Helpline's emotional literacy toolkit? We have a range of free, downloadable resources including colouring-in sheets, worksheets, classroom posters and more! Visit: https://lnkd.in/gCsdDKDN

🌟Need a listening ear once the kids are asleep? 🌃 You can talk to Parentline – we're officially extending our hours! We can now take your calls and webchats from 6am-midnight AEST, 7 days a week. Parentline, a service of yourtown, offers FREE confidential counselling and support for parents and carers of children in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Reach out to us early or late – we're here to help❤️ Freecall: 1300 30 1300 Webchat: https://ytwn.in/3HXxxcP

Today is your last chance to make a tax-deductible donation to Kids Helpline. Be part of the safety net this EOFY: https://ytwn.in/DONATEhere 🤲 HOW TO GIVE: ✅ Visit: kidshelpline.com.au/donate ✅ Choose your amount (every donation can change or save a life) ✅ Get your receipt instantly for your tax return ✅ Donate before 30 June to claim this financial year 🤝 24/7 support starts with you: https://ytwn.in/DONATEhere

Our goal this year is to answer our 9 millionth call by the end of 2025, and we need your help to get there: https://ytwn.in/GIVEtoday In 2024 alone, our counsellors responded to 133,386 contacts, and with your support, we can reach even more young people in need. 🤲 HOW TO GIVE: ✅ Visit: kidshelpline.com.au/donate ✅ Choose your amount (every donation can change or save a life) ✅ Get your receipt instantly for your tax return ✅ Donate before 30 June to claim this financial year 🤝 24/7 support starts with you: https://ytwn.in/GIVEtoday

In 2024, My Circle had 3,558 active users – discussing topics like mental health, bullying, relationships and identity. Know a young person who might benefit from peer support? Visit: https://lnkd.in/epR5AxHJ