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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
“I’m not lonely anymore...” 💜  For children, a sense of connection and belonging at school can make all the difference and at KidsXpress we create safe, fun spaces where that connection can grow.  #TestimonialTuesday #SafeSpaces #BelongingMatters #KidsXpress #SchoolPartnershipProgram #ExpressiveTherapy #CreativeTherapy #ChildMentalHealth
Four words. One big impact. 💜 “Makes me calm down.”  #TestimonialTuesday #ParentingSupport #CreativeTherapy #MentalHealthMatters #KidsXpress #ExpressiveTherapy
“Even when you’re in your mum’s tummy and things aren’t going right… your little brain and body are already changing.”  Trauma doesn’t start when a child learns to talk. Sometimes it starts before they’re even born.  At KidsXpress, we use expressive therapy — art, music, dance movement and play — to help children process what they don’t yet have words for.  Hear our Senior Trauma Consultant Rebecca van Herk explain how the body holds memory, and why healing starts with connection, not conversation.  👉 Listen to the full interview on 2RRR with Chook & Jeffrey G – link in bio.  #InUteroTrauma #Epigenetics  #ExpressiveTherapy #KidsXpress #HealingThroughPlay #TraumaInformedCare #2RRR #ChildMentalHealth
“I tell teachers: you put your hand up to educate… but I’m sorry, your job has changed.”  Today’s educators are no longer just teachers - they’re emotional first responders. At KidsXpress, we work alongside schools to help them navigate this new reality. Because learning can’t happen until a child feels safe and regulated, yet many students arrive at school carrying emotional loads that make this nearly impossible.  Hear Senior Trauma Consultant Rebecca van Herk talk about KidsXpress: who we are, what we do, and how we help schools respond to the mental health challenges faced by today’s students. 
Full interview with Chook & Jeffrey G now available via 2RRR - link in bio. 
#KidsXpress #TraumaInformedEducation #ExpressiveTherapy #EducatorSupport #ChildMentalHealth #TeachersMatter #2RRR #BigFeelingsLittlePeople
Three days left to make your EOFY donation count. Three days to reduce your tax bill.  Your support funds expressive therapy delivered right at a child’s school, where it’s accessible, trauma-informed, and designed for children.  And because children aren’t raised in isolation, we support teachers and carers too - creating a network of care around every child.  97% of children who participated in our expressive therapy program last year said it helped them. Not just a little... a lot.  Donate before June 30 to help more children get the support they need.  Because parents can’t do it alone.
And neither can teachers.
Nor should they have to.  https://kidsxpress.org.au/get-involved/donate/
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/