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Children’s mental health is shaped by their experiences and the relationships around them. Yet too often, children miss out on the support they need when those foundations are shaken. Without help, the effects of these challenges can grow with them into adulthood. That’s why KidsXpress combines expressive therapy with trauma-informed education services to support children under 12 and their caregivers — ensuring the right help, in the right way, at the right time.
(*National Mental Health Commission (2023)).
Mental ill-health affects 1-in-7 Australian children, yet fewer than 25% are accessing care.
Without support, the impact of their condition can grow with them into lifelong challenges. We’re on a mission to change that.
students were reached by us in 2024 through our School Partnership Program, our centres and training programs.
educators, parents and caregivers were supported through our School Partnership Program, centres and training programs in 2024.
of children who attended KidsXpress identified positive change in themselves.
(CORS, 2023 Term 2)
is our cost benefit ratio, meaning that for every $1 invested in KidsXpress a return of $2.76 is generated in social value.
(DAE, 2015, p.46)
KidsXpress welcomes the government’s formal recognition of music and art therapy as evidence-based interventions under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), following a review commissioned in November 2024.
KidsXpress is proud to join Future Generation Australia’s national portfolio of charities supporting vulnerable children. This multi-year partnership will provide vital funding and capacity-building support, helping us expand our trauma-informed programs so more children can heal, learn and thrive.
KidsXpress is entering an exciting new chapter as Co-Founder Paul Hines steps into the role of Board Chair. With our 20th anniversary on the horizon, Paul shares his bold vision for growth, impact, and reaching more children in need.
During one session, 8 year old Ava* who’d been referred to our Macquarie Park centre, was invited to choose an instrument to play. She gravitated toward the drums, and as she began to play, her movements were loud, erratic and forceful.
In the wake of the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods, a dedicated Learning Support team at a small Northern Rivers public primary school embarked on a mission to better support their trauma-impacted students.
Anxiety is a brain bully. In its extreme form it lies, it deceives, and it doesn’t give you a moment of peace, even when sleeping.
Nine year-old Nadia, has been grappling with anxiety ever since the COVID lockdowns.
At just ten years old, Emily* faced a distressing situation, common to many schoolchildren but one that none should have to endure
KidsXpress calls for more government support to increase access to mental health services for children aged 12 and under.
Moving to high school is one of the key milestones of a child’s life. In Term 3 of 2023 we conducted a survey for Year 6 students for the purpose of understanding their thoughts and emotions about this transition.
In the aftermath of the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20, KidsXpress swiftly moved into action to deliver a tailored trauma-focused program for the purpose of community rebuilding and socio-emotional rehabilitation.
Samuel Behan, is an incredible KidsXpress supporter racing in Production Sports with his trusty MX5 to raise funds for vulnerable children.
Express Yourself: Write a 5-word poem about your day.
No rules. Example: “Sun. Coffee. Deadlines. Laughter. Netflix.”
Small creative practices like this can spark reflection and give children (and adults) a simple way to process feelings that might otherwise go unspoken.
#MentalHealthMonth #ExpressiveTherapy #CreativeArts #ChildrensMentalHealth #KidsXpress #ChildrensWeek #ChildrensRights
It’s Mental Health Month, so we decided to jump on the “bad health advice” trend that’s been circulating on social media. In our version our Head of Communications, Maria, pranks unsuspecting Rita, our Sydney Programs Manager and says all the wrong things to a ‘concerned parent’.
Because here’s the truth:
❌ Kids do experience mental ill-health – in fact 50% of lifelong mental health challenges start before 14.
❌ They do worry about adult things, like money, family conflict and even the housing crisis.
❌ Any form of regression, like bedwetting, is worth paying attention to as it’s often a sign of distress.
❌ And parents are never “overthinking it.” No one knows their child better than a parent. Children communicate through their behaviour and our job is to listen with curiosity. If you’re worried about a child, speak to your GP, school wellbeing team or a qualified mental health professional.
And absolutely don’t ask Maria from Marketing. 😉
#MentalHealthMonth #MythBusted #KidsXpress #ChildrensMentalHealth #ExpressiveTherapy #EarlyIntervention
At KidsXpress, we support not just the children but the adults around them too. It’s the only way to ensure long-lasting and sustainable impact. Through the guidance of our Trauma Informed Education Consultants (TIECs), who work alongside teachers in our Schools Partnership Program (SPP), educators gain the knowledge and confidence to respond to students with care and strengthen the relationships that matter most.
As one teacher from Granville PS reflected:
“It’s helped me improve my relationships with the kids. Like when [Child X] kicked off, I expected that Ash would’ve dealt with him, but instead she supported me to understand and support him because I have the relationship with him.”
By equipping teachers in this way, the SPP ensures lasting change for students and their school communities. 💛
#TestimonialTuesday #TraumaInformedEducation #KidsXpress #SchoolPartnershipProgram #SchoolBasedMentalHealthPrograms
![At KidsXpress, we support not just the children but the adults around them too. It’s the only way to ensure long-lasting and sustainable impact. Through the guidance of our Trauma Informed Education Consultants (TIECs), who work alongside teachers in our Schools Partnership Program (SPP), educators gain the knowledge and confidence to respond to students with care and strengthen the relationships that matter most. As one teacher from Granville PS reflected: “It’s helped me improve my relationships with the kids. Like when [Child X] kicked off, I expected that Ash would’ve dealt with him, but instead she supported me to understand and support him because I have the relationship with him.” By equipping teachers in this way, the SPP ensures lasting change for students and their school communities. 💛 #TestimonialTuesday #TraumaInformedEducation #KidsXpress #SchoolPartnershipProgram #SchoolBasedMentalHealthPrograms](https://kidsxpress.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sb-instagram-feed-images/560427056_17970849812951575_3962862324291422277_nfull.webp)
Play therapy is one of the core therapeutic modalities within our expressive therapy program. For children, play isn’t just fun - it’s how they make sense of the world, explore feelings, practice problem-solving, and build relationships. In therapy, play becomes a language: toys, art, music and movement allow children to express emotions they may not yet have words for.
But play isn’t only a childhood need - it’s a human need. As we get older, we often forget how to be playful. We prioritise productivity and “seriousness,” leaving little room for creativity or joy. Yet research shows that being playful at any age can reduce stress, build resilience, and strengthen our connections with others. Whether it’s doodling, dancing, singing along to music or simply laughing with friends, play helps us reconnect to ourselves and others. Find ways to play or be playful, because it`s not a luxury. It’s medicine for all ages.
#MentalHealthMonth #ExpressiveTherapy #CreativeArts #ChildrensMentalHealth #KidsXpress
Today we celebrate 20 years since our CEO and Founder, Margo Ward, began the journey of KidsXpress.
Her story began in the mid-90s when Margo was Head of Play Therapy at Sydney Children`s Hospital and seven-year-old Max, in palliative care, asked her to make real a magical place where hurt children could heal through play, song, dance and paint. His words stayed with her:
“It’s too late for me Margo, but do it for the other kids.”
In 2005, that vision took shape. What began with a team of just three is now 42 staff working from two main offices and within eight schools across NSW, with our training programs reaching across Australia.
The impact is best expressed in the words of a 16-year-old girl who recently reached out to say: “Year 5 was the worst year of my life. If it wasn’t for you, Margo, having created KidsXpress and sending therapists to my school, I don’t know where I’d be today.”
But beyond the programs, the growth, and the statistics, there is Margo the person: warm and welcoming, brave and determined, a leader with equal measures of compassion and drive. She has always seen the child first, and never lost sight of why KidsXpress exists.
Margo, thank you for your vision, your courage and your heart. You turned a child’s dream into a place of healing - one that continues to change lives across generations.
#MargoWard #KidsXpress #CEO #Founder #ExpressiveTherapy #20years
Colours don’t just brighten our world - they shape how we feel. Think of how calming a blue sky can be, or how energising a burst of bright yellow might seem.
Colour psychology looks at how colours influence our emotions and behaviours. Our responses are shaped by a mix of personal taste, family upbringing and cultural background. For example, blue is often used for calming or sleep-inducing pills, while red and yellow are linked to stimulation. Yet meanings aren’t universal - white symbolises purity in one culture and mourning in another.
What’s consistent is this: colour, mood and expression are all deeply connected. Sometimes colours reflect how we feel, and sometimes they can even help shift our emotions.
Draw your mood today using only colours. No words, no shapes - just shades and tones. Too busy to draw? Share your mood as a colour emoji 🟢🟣🔴 in the comments. Or if you’re feeling inspired and are happy to share, snap a photo of your colour palette and post it below. We`d love to see it!
#MentalHealthMonth #ExpressiveTherapy #CreativeArts #ChildrensMentalHealth #KidsXpress #ChildrensWeek #ChildrensRights
