KidsXpress
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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 two new Board Directors, Andrew Da Silva and Dr Andrew Young PhD, whose combined expertise in digital transformation, generative AI, governance and social impact will help future-proof the organisation’s mission to support children’s emotional wellbeing through creativity, connection and innovation.
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.
What happens when you bring a musical theatre duo into a KidsXpress partner school?
Pure energy, joy and self-expression! 🎶
Today, long-time KidsXpress Ambassador @lachlandearing (former Hi-5 and Hamilton star) visited Granville Public School, joined by his partner @angelinathomson. The talented pair, who recently starred together in the musical production Guys & Dolls, led an unforgettable dance workshop for GPS students. 💃🕺
Through rhythm, movement and connection, students discovered how powerful the body can be as a tool for self-expression and emotional release. The school hall was buzzing with creativity and confidence! ✨
Huge thanks to Lachie and Angelina for sharing your passion, and to Granville PS, one of our School Partnership Program schools, for always embracing the expressive arts with open hearts. 💛 And bravo to the students on how beautifully they engaged. They sure had some very impressive dance moves!
#KidsXpress #SPP #GranvillePS #ExpressiveTherapy #Hamilton #GuysAndDolls #DanceWorkshop #CreativityInAction #dancemovementtherapy
Meet Sofia - she’s been raising funds for KidsXpress and building awareness about children’s mental health among her peers. From pageants to plushies, her passion for helping others has already raised more than $1,300 for our programs!
In this video, Sofia shares why she chose to support KidsXpress and offers some pretty cool advice for other kids who might be thinking about supporting a cause they’re passionate about.
Thank you, Sofia, for showing us that you’re never too young to make a difference.
#KidsXpress #KidsHelpingKids
#ThankYouThursday #KindnessinAction #ChildMentalHealth
This artwork was created by a young student at our partner school, Merrylands East PS, who fled the Israel–Palestine conflict and tragically lost her immediate family.
Her piece, titled “My Life Before, My Life Now,” is a powerful expression of the complex emotions that come with grief, loss and starting over.
During Mental Health Month, we’re reminded that many children turn up to school each day carrying unseen things in their backpack... experiences, fears and emotions that aren’t always visible or relatable. It’s a gentle reminder to approach each child with empathy, patience and awareness.
At KidsXpress, we see every artwork as a step towards recovery - a testament to courage, resilience and hope. We feel extremely privileged to be walking alongside the children we meet.
#MentalHealthMonth #KidsXpress #ExpressiveTherapy #ArtTherapy #HealingThroughCreativity #TraumaInformedCare
“Children should be protected from any activities that could harm their development.” (Article 36, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)
At KidsXpress, we see every day that harm to a child’s development doesn’t always come from what’s done to them - sometimes it’s what’s missing: safety, stability, or the freedom to express big emotions without fear.
Emotional neglect, constant stress, or environments where children feel unseen can all quietly shape the way a child learns, trusts, and connects. That’s why our work focuses on rebuilding those foundations, that is, helping children process what’s hard, while helping adults understand what children’s behaviour is trying to communicate.
Protecting development means protecting curiosity, confidence and joy - not just protecting from harm, but protecting the conditions that make growth possible.
During Children’s Week and October Mental Health Month, we honour every adult - parent, relative, teacher, coach or therapist - who creates that kind of safety.
#ChildrensWeek #ChildrensRights #RightToProtection #MentalHealthMonth #KidsXpress #ExpressiveTherapy #TraumaInformedCare #ChildWellbeing
At KidsXpress, play isn’t just a pastime... it’s purposeful, therapeutic work. Through creative expression, children make sense of their experiences, process emotions and rebuild trust in themselves and others.
When a child feels safe enough to play, they’re not “just having fun”, they’re practising problem-solving, expressing identity, and restoring hope. 💛
During Children’s Week, we celebrate every child’s right to play - a right recognised in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 31) - and continue to highlight the vital link between creativity, play and mental health.
#ChildrensWeek #ChildrensRights #RightToPlay #KidsXpress #ExpressiveTherapy #MentalHealthMonth #ChildWellbeing
“Thank you for making time for me... Thank you for listening to all my complaining.” 💜
These heartfelt words were written by a child at our partner school, Merrylands East Public School, to Sofia, one of our Expressive Therapists.
A successful therapeutic relationship helps a child feel truly heard — safe to express themselves without fear of judgment. That sense of being listened to is not just healing; it’s transformative.
While it takes professional skill and care to create that level of safety, it’s also something we can all practise in our everyday interactions with children. Because every child deserves to feel that their voice matters — both in therapy and beyond it.
During Children’s Week and October Mental Health Month, we celebrate every child’s right to be heard — a right enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 12).
#ChildrensWeek #ChildrensRights #RightToBeHeard #KidsXpress #ExpressiveTherapy #MentalHealthMonth #ChildWellbeing #MerrylandsEastPS
