Youth Insearch Foundation

Youth Insearch Foundation is Australia’s longest-running peer-led, trauma-informed mental health and suicide prevention organisation for young people aged 12 to 25.

For over forty years our vision has been to create safe spaces where young people can heal from trauma, build resilience, and thrive. Our mission is to break cycles of disadvantage and empower young people to lead positive change in their lives and communities. We address one of Australia’s most urgent issues: suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24, and rates of psychological distress are rising, particularly in regional areas. Youth Insearch fills a critical gap between clinical services and community support through a unique, evidence-based model that combines therapeutic weekend workshops, weekly peer-led support groups, one-on-one mentoring, and leadership training.

Operating across NSW, QLD, and VIC, we support up to 1,000 young people annually. Independent evaluations confirm our impact:

73% report improved mental wellbeing
64% reduce or cease self-harming behaviours
58% re-engage with education or employment
92% feel more confident and hopeful about their future

Our current priorities include expanding access for vulnerable youth in regional communities and strengthening our peer workforce. Philanthropic support will enable us to broaden our reach and deliver integrated trauma-informed programs across NSW, QLD, and VIC, ensuring that no young person is turned away due to financial hardship. Funding will also support leadership pathways for young people with lived experience, enhance program delivery capacity, and invest in evidence-based evaluation to demonstrate impact.

WEBSITE