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Creating a lifetime of change

Our Work: A Future all children deserve

Half of all mental health conditions have started by age 14*

Yet children under this age historically had limited access to mental health services in Australia.

KidsXpress exists to ensure that children are getting the help they need, in the way they need it and when they need it.

Childhood mental health issues often arise from experiences of trauma and a stressful home environment. Our trauma-informed Expressive Therapy and Education services combine psychology and the creative process to support primary school-age children and their caregivers.

(*Kessler, R.C., et al., Lifetime prevalence and age-of onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders 2005).

Our Annual Impact

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.

  • 6,271

    students were reached by us in 2024 through our School Partnership Program, our centres and training programs.

  • 2,405

    educators, parents and caregivers were supported through our School Partnership Program, centres and training programs in 2024.

  • 91.7%

    of children who attended KidsXpress identified positive change in themselves.

    (CORS, 2023 Term 2)

  • $1 : $2.76

    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 is like a hospital for birds with injured wings. You leave when you can fly again.

10-year-old girl, former client

You didn’t just help my child but my whole family. You were our safe harbour during a period of storm.

Mother of former client

My son is still in my life today because of KidsXpress.

Mother of former client

We’d been screaming out, ‘what else can we do for our students?’ and this is it. This partnership with KidsXpress.

BPS Principal

KidsXpress isn’t a program. It’s a relationship that we build together based on the needs of our students.

HPPS Principal
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Announcing our new board chair: Paul Hines

Announcing our new board chair: Paul Hines

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.

Find out more
Ava and the Drums

Ava and the Drums

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.

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Emily's Story

Emily's Story

At just ten years old, Emily* faced a distressing situation, common to many schoolchildren but one that none should have to endure

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Media Release

Media Release

KidsXpress calls for more government support to increase access to mental health services for children aged 12 and under.

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High School Transition

High School Transition

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.

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Our work in the Snowy Valleys, NSW

Our work in the Snowy Valleys, NSW

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.

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Manny’s Story

Manny’s Story

When Manny was 6 years old his father was incarcerated on drug charges. The two years that followed weren’t easy; his mother sometimes struggled to cope with the demands of parenting four children alone.

Find out more

Instagram Feed

@kidsxpressmentalhealth
That feeling of relief a parent feels when they hear their child’s getting help...?  It starts with your donation.  KidsXpress brings expressive, trauma-informed therapy directly into schools, supporting not just the child, but their teachers and caregiving network too.  And it works: Last year, 97% of children who received expressive therapy through our School Partnership Program said it helped them.  Donate by June 30 to bring this kind of support to more kids, more teachers, more schools. Help us make more schools a KidsXpress school.  https://kidsxpress.org.au/get-involved/donate/
1 in 7 kids face mental health challenges but over half don’t get the professional help they need.  KidsXpress delivers expressive therapy - the kind that works best for kids - right at school, at no cost to families and without stigma.  But we don’t stop at children. We support teachers and the caregiving community around them, building a network of care.  Last financial year, we:
– Reached 2,698 students
– Supported 217 teachers
– Delivered 2,601 hours of direct trauma-informed support  With your EOFY donation, we can make more schools KidsXpress schools.  Make a tax deductible donation by 30 June and help a child get the support they need — when and where it matters. 💛  https://kidsxpress.org.au/get-involved/donate/
We’re incredibly grateful to our friends at @sydneycommunityservices  for their ongoing generosity and thoughtfulness. For years, this wonderful group has lovingly hand-sewn therapy dolls for us - originally simple calico designs, and now transformed into these gorgeous, brightly coloured creations that look absolutely stunning.  At KidsXpress, these dolls play a powerful role in expressive therapy. Soft and inviting, they help children feel safe enough to express emotions they may not yet have words for. Whether used in storytelling, role-play, or simply as a comforting presence during sessions, they’re an invaluable tool in helping children process their experiences through creativity.  Thank you for supporting children’s mental health in such a meaningful, creative and heartfelt way. 💜  #ThankYouThursday #tyt  #KidsXpress #ChildrensMentalHealth #ExpressiveTherapy #PlayTherapy #CommunityKindness #TraumaDolls #SydneyCommunityServices #TherapyDolls #TraumaInformedCare
A heartfelt thank you to our friends at @monkeybaatheatreco for inviting children from KidsXpress partner schools to experience the wonder of live theatre through the Theatre Unlimited initiative.  This July and August, students at Batlow Technology School in the Snowy Valleys and Bidwill Public School in Sydney’s Western suburbs will have the chance to see Josephine Wants to Dance—a hilarious and heartwarming musical about believing in yourself, chasing your dreams, and… a dancing kangaroo! Based on the beloved book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, it’s a joyful tale that reminds us that anything is possible when you follow your passion.  At KidsXpress, we know the power of the creative arts to heal and inspire. Much like our work in drama, movement and play therapy, theatre provides a powerful outlet for self-expression, emotional exploration and imagination.  Thanks to Monkey Baa’s generosity — including free tickets and transport — many of these children will be attending the theatre for the very first time. We can’t wait to see the excitement on their faces as the curtain rises and Josephine leaps into their hearts.  This partnership reflects a beautiful synergy of purpose, and we’re so grateful to be on this journey together. 
#MonkeyBaa #KidsXpress #TheatreUnlimited #JosephineWantsToDance #CreativeTherapies #HealingThroughTheArts #ArtsForAll #DanceTherapy #DMT #DanceMovementTherapy
🎤 Little voice, big heart:  Sofia (a Year 6 student) recently stood up at her school assembly and gave the most beautiful speech about why it’s important to share your feelings — “otherwise they explode!” 💥💛  She’s fundraising for KidsXpress, because she believes every child deserves a safe space to talk, create and heal.  If this made you smile, imagine what she made her whole school feel. 🧡 Let’s help her hit her goal. Tap to donate and show Sofia that little voices can make a big impact. 🎨✨ 
🔗 Link to donate in bio.  #SupportSofia #KidsHelpingKids #KidsXpress #EmotionalWellbeing #Fundraiser #legacyfundraiser #publicspeaking #childmentalhealth #expressivetherapy #creativeartstherapy
At KidsXpress, self-referral through our school partnership program is a game-changer — and a rare offering in the child mental health space. It speaks to our commitment to being child-led, trauma-informed, and truly accessible.  The children who self-refer are almost always the ones who might otherwise go unnoticed — those who mask their struggles, comply quietly in class, and never raise a hand for help.  By giving them a voice, we give them access to the support they deserve. Let’s not underestimate children. They often know exactly what they need… if we’re willing to listen.  #childmentalhealth #expressivetherapy #traumainformed #childvoice #childrensvoicesmatter #schoolbasedmentalhealth #kidsxpress #schoolpartnerships