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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.
As more than 73,000 NSW students sit their first HSC exam today, stress levels are running high-but the roots of that stress often start much earlier.
Research from UNSW found that approx 40% of HSC students experience anxiety-related symptoms high enough to be of clinical concern, with female students reporting higher levels of psychological distress than their male counterparts.
While the spotlight is on Year 12 students today, it’s important to remember that these patterns don’t suddenly appear in adolescence. The drive to please, the fear of failure, and the belief that mistakes aren’t safe to make are often learned in childhood - shaped by how the adults around them respond to emotions, effort and imperfection.
At KidsXpress, we help children understand that big feelings are not something to be feared or hidden. Through expressive therapy, we help them develop the emotional tools they’ll need later in life, including during high-pressure moments like the HSC. Our caregiver training programs also support the adults around them, helping ensure they don’t inadvertently add to the pressure and stress children feel.
Our experts share three unique tips to help your child stay calm and connected - see comment below.
Curious about the research behind these findings? We’ve linked the UNSW study in our bio.
#HSC #Year12 #MentalHealthMonth #KidsXpress
The KidsXpress team’s bringing their A-game this term!
Happy Term 4 everyone!
🏀⛹️♀️💪🏻
When teachers guard classroom time so carefully, their support for KidsXpress sessions says everything about the value they see in them. At Merrylands Public School, the Deputy Principal’s words reflect what we know to be true... that children’s emotional wellbeing is foundational to learning. By integrating expressive therapy into the school day, we’re not taking away from education, we’re strengthening it.
#TestimonialTuesday #ChildWellbeing #SchoolPartnership #ExpressiveTherapy #KidsXpress #SchoolBasedMentalHealth
Safety in childhood isn’t only about being free from harm. It’s also about feeling:
Safe from judgement
Safe from being misunderstood
Safe from emotional triggers
Safe to try, play, and express themselves without fear
Unless children feel this sense of safety - at home, at school, with friends, or in therapy - their mental health can’t truly strengthen. Without it, they remain vigilant, always on guard, scanning for threat.
At KidsXpress, expressive therapy provides that foundation. Through play, art, music and movement, children discover spaces where they can explore, connect and heal without fear of “getting it wrong.”
Safety is where healing begins.
#MentalHealthMonth #ExpressiveTherapy #CreativeArts #ChildrensMentalHealth #KidsXpress #ChildrensWeek #ChildrensRights
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
