A Breakthrough Year for Young People's Mental Health Education In Australia

A breakthrough year for young people’s mental health education

Camp Breakthrough was Australia’s first overnight mental health awareness camp for children. Delivered in partnership with AFL Max, it supported students in Years 5 to 8 at an age when many mental health challenges begin. The program combines physical activity, structured learning and open conversation to help young people understand their wellbeing and build confidence in supporting themselves and others.

Thanks to the visionary support of Variety the Children’s Charity SA, the program expanded dramatically this year.

In 2024, five schools participated and around 300 students attended.
In 2025, the subsidy model transformed access, with 15 schools engaged and 922 students took part, tripling the number of young people reached and supported.

Variety’s commitment removed key barriers for families and schools, especially in regional areas, ensuring whole classes could attend without financial pressure. AFL Max created an environment where students could learn, connect and take-home practical wellbeing tools.

Course Outcomes:

Before camp, 13% of students felt embarrassed to start a conversation. After camp: Only 3% still felt embarrassed – a 77% improvement.

41% of students learned what boosts their mood, identifying hanging with friends and listening to music as key mood boosters.

70% of students left camp knowing multiple tools to support their mental fitness and wellbeing.

Thanks to the generosity of Variety, the funded camps will continue for the next two years.

This is community partnership at its strongest. We are deeply grateful to Variety SA and AFL Max for helping so many young people build stronger mental health foundations.

For more information on the program for the year ahead, please click on the link below.

Acknowledgement of Country

Breakthrough acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We recognise all Australian communities who, through their lived experience, help to guide the research funded by Breakthrough.

Acknowledgement of Lived Experience

Breakthrough acknowledges those with lived experiences of mental illness. Every person’s story is uniquely theirs with their own challenges and triumphs, hopes and dreams; but together, we all share the same desire to live a life of connection, belonging and freedom. We are grateful to those who are willing to share their stories, and for the opportunities to listen.