The Break Inc.’s Paddle to Peace project is a transformative initiative that helps to rebuild social connection and mental well-being through kayaking adventures on Melbourne’s rivers and bays. Our mission is to combat social disconnection, a key driver of mental health issues, addiction, and loneliness, by offering inclusive, stigma-free activities. Paddle to Peace provides paddle ...
The Break Inc.
Paddle to Peace
GOAL
$5,000
Australia > VIC > Metro
Field of Interest
- Individual/family services and support
- Social inclusion and justice
Target Population
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
- People impacted by the legal system
The Break Inc.
The Break Inc. is a Australian non-profit, registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) since 2018, dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, and social disconnection. Our mission is to foster resilience and opportunity, ensuring no one falls through the cracks, with a vision of a society where everyone can live a connected, meaningful life. We address critical issues like mental health stigma and social isolation through innovative including youth diversion (0% recidivism in a 6-month pilot) and social clubs for the disconnected. Our team of postgraduate experts and volunteers adapts international best practices to the Australian context, making us uniquely equipped to deliver impactful solutions. Current priorities include expanding mental health workshops, leadership training for at-risk youth, and digital outreach in regional areas. Funding will scale these programs, train facilitators, and enhance digital platforms, reaching 2,000 more individuals annually. In 2024, we supported 1,500 people across 20 communities, with 80% reporting improved mental health (independent evaluation). Our website (thebreak.org.au) and ACNC registration confirm our legitimacy and transparency.
Project Summary
The Break Inc.’s Paddle to Peace project is a transformative initiative that helps to rebuild social connection and mental well-being through kayaking adventures on Melbourne’s rivers and bays. Our mission is to combat social disconnection, a key driver of mental health issues, addiction, and loneliness, by offering inclusive, stigma-free activities. Paddle to Peace provides paddle lessons followed by guided trips, ensuring participants feel confident and safe.
Our vision is a society where everyone feels connected and supported, with Paddle to Peace serving as a catalyst for meaningful engagement. We are uniquely positioned, with a team of experienced kayakers and mental health professionals, to deliver tailored, evidence-based programs. Our current priorities include expanding trips to new waterways, training more facilitators, and engaging 500 additional participants annually.
Project Outcomes
The Break Inc.’s Paddle to Peace project aims to enhance mental health and social inclusion through kayaking experiences. Our goal is to empower 500 participants yearly, especially those facing mental health challenges, addiction, or isolation, to build resilience, self-esteem, and community engagement. We strive to create free spaces for diverse groups youth, veterans, and marginalized individuals to form lasting relationships and engage with nature. Success will be measured by 80% of participants reporting improved mental well-being and connectedness in post-program surveys, alongside 90% retention in follow-up events. The environmental impact will be tracked by the amount of rubbish generated annually. We will monitor progress through quarterly evaluations, combining qualitative stories and quantitative data, targeting 10 new community-led paddle groups yearly. Independent audits will ensure transparency. Funding will support equipment upgrades, facilitator training, and regional outreach to scale impact. Achieving these metrics will confirm Paddle to Peace’s success in fostering healthier, connected communities.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $5,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Not Confirmed | $5,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 5000 | $5,000 |
Support The Break Inc.
Got a question about this organisation or ready to contribute? Contact us.
Are you an ACF Fundholder? Log in to your Fund Portal to request a grant from your Fund.
Add your organisation to the Funding Platform
Is your not-for-profit organisation seeking funding? Add your organisation to the Funding Platform or upload your funding needs for a project.
Is this your organisation profile? You can request updates by resubmitting a Funding Platform Submission.