about reach:
Reach has been making a positive impact in the lives of young Australians
for nearly two decades.
Reach believes that every young person should have the support and self-belief they need to fulfil their potential and dare to dream.
Our national school and community-based programs are run for young people and designed to promote their mental health and wellbeing. All our programs are run by the young Reach Crew, so there’s no preaching – just young people inspiring young people to believe that, no matter what their circumstances, they can achieve.
Reach creates safe and supportive spaces where teenagers can share stories and experiences honestly. A place where they can increase their self-belief, discover who they are and recognise that they’re not alone.
OUR PROGRAMS
Each year, Reach’s preventative programs are run for over 57,000 young Australians, in over 500 metropolitan and regional schools and communities across the country.
Our participants are young people aged 10-18, both in and outside of the school system. Anyone who wants to improve their self confidence and get more from life is welcome at Reach. Reach also works with teachers and youth professionals through our specialised teacher training, which offers techniques for teachers to effectively engage with and support their students.
All our programs are delivered by the inspiring Reach Crew (aged 15-25 years), who are experienced in effectively engaging participants and supporting them to improve self-belief, and to develop resilience and emotional awareness. It’s been shown that developing these skills in adolescence can reduce serious problems faced later in life including depression, substance abuse, homelessness and suicide.
WHAT MAKES REACH DIFFERENT
By creating ‘safe spaces’ and positive peer group experiences, Reach provides an environment where young people can truly discover who they are. Reach programs encourage young people to develop trust and openness, feel comfortable enough to express their concerns, discuss their aspirations and recognise that they’re not alone.
The main focus of our work is on prevention and early intervention. We recognise the value of working with the whole person, not just the symptoms or behaviours. Reach programs aim to identify the underlying reasons for negative behaviours and through an empowering process of self-discovery and connection, enable young people to redirect their energy towards more positive outcomes.
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of our programs and the maximum wellbeing of participants, Reach has developed a ‘SafetyNet’ structure that includes:
- Discreet psychological support, and
- Australian Council of Child & Youth Organisations (ACCYO) accreditation of Reach’s policies and procedures relating to the wellbeing of young people.
THE IMPACT
We know that self-belief is necessary for young people to realise their potential and thrive. We support young people to develop self-belief by discovering more about themselves and expressing who they truly are. It is this journey of self-discovery that results in young people recognising they can do anything they set their minds to.
Independent research shows that Reach helps teenagers to improve overall levels of self-esteem, optimism, and feelings of control over themselves and their lives.¹
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Reach was established in 1994 by Jim Stynes OAM (AFL Brownlow Medalist, youth motivator, and Victorian of the Year 2003) and Australian film director, Paul Currie. Jim and Paul were two young men who recognised that too often the greatness in young people is hidden behind fear, anger or hurt. Reach was born from a desire to inspire every young person to believe in themselves and get the most out of life.
