The Better Solutions Project is a year-long early intervention and prevention initiative designed to support young people aged 12–24 who are at risk of disengagement, emotional distress, or falling through the cracks. Through a combination of structured group programs, mentoring, and family support, we aim to address the root causes of youth disconnection, such as ...
Rise & Thrive
Better Solutions
GOAL
$169,000
Australia > QLD > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Education/training and employment
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
Target Population
- Young people (6-25)
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
Rise & Thrive
Rise & Thrive Co. is a not-for-profit, trauma-informed organisation committed to breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma, domestic and family violence, and youth disengagement. Our mission is to empower young people, families, and communities to rise above adversity and build lives filled with purpose, connection, and resilience. Our vision is a society where every young person feels seen, safe, and supported, regardless of where they started.
We address the rising need for early intervention in youth mental health, emotional regulation, and social disconnection. Our programs, including No Filters Needed and Bounce Back, are designed for young people aged 12–24 and combine evidence-based counselling frameworks with creative, physical, and reflective activities. What makes us different is our whole-community model: we work not only with students, but also with teaching staff and families through workshops, mentoring, and long-term support.
Our current priority is delivering The Better Solutions Project, a year-long initiative designed to support schools, educators, and at-risk youth through consistent program delivery, mentoring, and wellbeing interventions. We are uniquely placed to do this work due to our lived experience, qualifications in counselling and trauma recovery, and strong grassroots relationships with schools and youth services.
Funding will directly support the delivery of programs, staff engagement, resource development, and wraparound care. In 2024, we received the Sunshine Coast Community Champion Award, recognising our measurable impact on vulnerable youth.
Project Summary
The Better Solutions Project is a year-long early intervention and prevention initiative designed to support young people aged 12–24 who are at risk of disengagement, emotional distress, or falling through the cracks. Through a combination of structured group programs, mentoring, and family support, we aim to address the root causes of youth disconnection, such as trauma, low self-worth, and unstable environments, before they escalate into long-term harm.
We deliver engaging 5-week programs like No Filters Needed and Bounce Back within schools and community spaces, using creative expression, sport, and therapeutic tools to help young people build resilience, regulate emotions, and strengthen relationships. But we don’t stop there, we also work with educators and families throughout the year to ensure ongoing support and consistent care.
This project exists because too many young people are navigating complex challenges without the right support. Teachers are overwhelmed, families are under pressure, and mental health systems are stretched. Better Solutions bridges those gaps, providing real, practical, and compassionate help when and where it’s needed most.
Our goal is simple: to prevent crisis before it starts, restore connection, and help every young person feel seen, heard, and valued.
Project Outcomes
Through the Better Solutions Project, we aim to reduce youth disengagement, emotional dysregulation, and the long-term impacts of trauma by creating safer, more connected school and community environments. Our goal is to empower young people aged 12–24 with the skills, confidence, and support networks they need to rise above adversity and make positive, lasting choices in their lives.
We want to see students who were once withdrawn or disruptive begin to engage with learning, form healthier relationships, and develop a sense of purpose and self-worth. We also want to equip teachers and families with practical tools and insights so they can better support the young people in their care.
We’ll know we’ve achieved this by tracking a combination of quantitative and qualitative outcomes. These include improved school engagement, emotional wellbeing, and social connection measured through pre/post program surveys, feedback from participants and educators, and behavioural observations. Ongoing mentoring and check-ins throughout the year will allow us to monitor long-term impact and respond flexibly to emerging needs.
Success will also be reflected in stronger partnerships with schools, positive feedback from families, and young people choosing to stay connected to support systems beyond the program.
Our measure of success is simple: safer schools, stronger families, and young people who believe in their ability to thrive.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $169,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding Gap | $169,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Counsellor | $95,000 |
| Staff travel expenses | $2,500 |
| Sports equipmen | $2,200 |
| Program admin, updated resources, research, community engagement | $14,272 |
| Workbook printing and binding | $2,800 |
| Stationary | $750 |
| Staff/volunteer training | $29,478 |
| Marketing and promotion | $22,000 |
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