Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation
Together, we can help create a life free from mental illness.
Evidence that drives meaningful change
Breakthrough funds vital mental health research to build stronger evidence for prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery.
Through connection and education, we ensure that knowledge responds to real needs and reaches people in the places where they live, work and belong.
Mental illness is one of the greatest challenges of our lifetime
of Australians may experience mental illness at some point in their life.
of diagnosable mental illness onsets before the age of 24.
More young Australians
aged 15-44 die from suicide than any other cause.
Australians die of suicide every day.
Our approach to better mental health
Solving mental health issues is complex. At Breakthrough, we fund research to better understand mental illness, strengthen prevention and discover what works. We bring people and communities together to share knowledge, build hope and strengthen belonging. Through education, we turn research evidence into practical tools that help people support themselves and others, creating lasting change.
Where we’re focusing our research today
Our current research priorities reflect areas where we see a pressing need for greater understanding and better support:
Depression
Depression is a common and serious mental illness. It is one of our key research focus areas, particularly for men, requiring better prevention, early intervention, treatment and support.
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Children's mental health
We investigate how mental health challenges emerge in childhood and adolescence and how earlier support can help young people build resilience and thrive.
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Eating
disorders
We fund research to better understand what causes eating disorders and develop more effective approaches to prevention, early intervention and treatment.
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Aboriginal
mental health
We support culturally responsive, community-led research that seeks to improve mental health and suicide-prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Get involved
Some of the most important conversations about mental health happen outside clinical settings. Through our community programs, and fundraising events, we bring people together to talk openly, build understanding and unite behind better mental health.
Attend an event
Come together for a shared purpose, connection, fundraising and impact.
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Join our community
Get involved by hosting your own fundraiser, volunteering or joining the ambassador program.
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Give your way
Support mental health research in a way that matters to you.
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Partner with us
Create meaningful social impact through a partnership with purpose.
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Latest news
Cricket brings South Australian’s together for mental health and cancer research
Inaugural Biggest Backyard Cricket Bash raises $100,000 for mental health and cancer research Teams and
17,128 Kilometres for the conversations that matter
17,128 kilometres for the conversations that matter Lenny Deacon has completed his ride around Australia
Breakthrough awarded grant to support wellbeing in communities affected by algae bloom
Breakthrough to deliver ‘Stronger Together’ initiative: supporting regional communities affected by algae bloom Breakthrough Mental
Resources
A Safe Space Podcast
A space for real conversations, lived experiences, and the latest insights driving change in mental health research, support, and hope for a better future.
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Car Conversation
Listen to the Breakthrough community’s thoughts about what the mental health conversation meant to them.
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