Media Release
KidsXpress calls for more government support to increase access to mental health services for children aged 12 and under.
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 have the lowest 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.
(Kolves, 2010, citing Mishara, 1998; Fortune & Hawton, 2007).
See the signs. Heal the hurt.
Half of all mental health conditions emerge before age 14*, yet signs of a struggling child often go unnoticed. It can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between typical childhood behaviours and signs of underlying mental health concerns. While children naturally go through various emotional and behavioural changes as they grow, there are some signs that suggest there may be a need for closer attention. Early action is key to prevent issues growing with a child into adulthood. Our resource guide is a great starting point.
(*Kessler, R.C., et al., Lifetime prevalence and age-of onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders 2005).
Download Free ResourcesOur 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.
3,600
students were reached by us in 2022 through our School Partnership Program.
521
teachers and school counsellors were supported through our education and training services in 2022.
91.7%
of children who attended KidXpress 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)
Our News
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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.
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.
Motorsport for Mental Health
Samuel Behan, is an incredible KidsXpress supporter racing in Production Sports with his trusty MX5 to raise funds for vulnerable children.
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.
A safe harbour: How KidsXpress supported one family experiencing domestic violence and homelessness
There’s a well-entrenched stereotype which perpetuates the idea that homeless people are alcohol-dependent middle-aged people roughing it in parks and bus shelters.
A group experience: The story of six boys who were never naughty
With an ICSEA ranking of 824 (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) – well below the national average – Wood’s Public School in Sydney’s Mt Druitt region is punching above its weight in providing quality education and learning experiences for some of our city’s most vulnerable children.
Talia's Safe Space: A KidsXpress Sensory Activity
When 8-yr old Talia was referred to KidsXpress earlier this year, she was in the midst of moving into what would be her sixth home.
The Memory Of Music: How KidsXpress helped shape one child's future career path
Despite being very young at the time, Joel Kassel remembers three things from his participation on the KidsXpress program.
Kiah's Story
When 9-year-old Kiah came to KidsXpress, she was a bright-eyed girl with a love for dancing. No one would have guessed that her early life was plagued by the kind of trauma you read about in the news.
Jack's Story
When Jack was six years old, he watched his little brother take his last breath on the asphalt after being hit by a speeding driver.
Angelique's Story
Ten-year-old Angelique lives with her mum and half-sister. She doesn’t remember a time when her father, Sam, hasn’t been involved with the criminal justice system.
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@kidsxpressmentalhealth For many Year 12 students, the HSC is on the horizon, and with it comes a whirlwind of emotions. 🎓👩🎓👨🎓 It`s a period of intense stress and anticipation. But what if there are younger siblings in the mix who may not quite grasp the pressure their older brother or sister is under? Here are some tips for parents:
1️⃣ Open Conversations: Encourage open conversations with your Year 12 student about their feelings and concerns. Let them know you`re there to support them.
2️⃣ Family Understanding: For younger siblings, try to explain that their older sibling is going through a significant, temporary period of hard work. Help them understand why it`s important.
3️⃣ Balance & Support: Offer balance in the household. Ensure the younger ones still receive attention and support, even as the HSC demands extra focus.
4️⃣ Stress-Relief: Teach stress-relief techniques that both older and younger siblings can use. Simple exercises like deep breathing or short breaks can work wonders. A younger sibling might wish to share some of their bubble wand mixture which facilitates the act of deep breathing.
5️⃣ Celebrate Small Wins: Encourage the older sibling to celebrate small victories and progress along the way, reducing the intensity of the final exams. Younger siblings might help their older sibling with rewards such as baking a mug cake for them.
6️⃣ Team Effort: Make studying a family affair, where younger siblings can help their older counterparts review or revise flash cards.
It`s a temporary phase that will be over before you know it and life can go back to normal. Good luck to all the families navigating this period. 💪❤
📚🤗 #HSC #FamilySupport #anxiety #examstress
Is it okay to argue in front of kids? 🤔 The short answer: Yes, it can be, but HOW you argue matters A LOT.
Healthy disagreements can actually be beneficial for children. They learn that it`s normal for adults to have differences and that conflicts can be resolved in a constructive way.
However, here`s the catch: Frequent, hostile, or aggressive arguments, which involve things like insults, stonewalling, or the silent treatment, are a no-go zone. 🚫 When kids witness this type of conflict, it can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
They might feel anxious, distressed, sad, or even angry. These emotions can lead to sleep problems, trouble in school, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, these kids may struggle with handling conflicts and forming healthy relationships in adulthood.
Remember, kids pick up on how we manage disagreements and strong emotions. So, when we do argue with our partner, we should strive for respectful and constructive conversations. Our actions today shape their conflict resolution skills tomorrow. 🤝💬
#ParentingTips #HealthyCommunication #childmentalhealth
Art is powerful ❤️
#arttherapy #creativearts #expressivetherapy
Examples of things that drain our mental health include:
1. Past Grudges: Holding onto grudges and resentments can be mentally exhausting. Let go of past grievances and focus on forgiveness and moving forward.
2. Unrealistic Goals: Constantly chasing unattainable goals can lead to stress and burnout. Set achievable objectives that align with your abilities and priorities.
3. Excessive Social Media: If social media is causing anxiety or negative self-comparisons, consider limiting your usage or unfollowing accounts that don`t inspire or uplift you.
4. Overcommitment: Saying yes to everything can overwhelm you. Learn to say no when your plate is full to avoid overcommitting and feeling stressed.
5. Unhealthy Habits: Whether it`s excessive drinking, smoking, or poor eating habits, recognize and work on letting go of behaviours that harm your mental and physical health.
6. Unproductive Worry: Excessive worrying about things beyond your control can lead to anxiety. Practice mindfulness and redirect your thoughts to more productive concerns.
7. Clutter: A cluttered living or workspace can contribute to mental clutter. Decluttering can create a more peaceful and organized environment.
8. Need for Approval: Seeking constant validation from others can be draining. Focus on self-acceptance and rely less on external approval.
9. Fear of Failure: Don`t let the fear of failure hold you back. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and a step toward success.
10. Toxic Perfectionism: Understand that perfection is an unrealistic standard. Allow yourself to make mistakes and grow from them.
11. Negative News Consumption: Consuming excessive negative news can contribute to anxiety and stress. Limit your exposure to distressing news and focus on positive and informative sources.
12. Rumination: Replaying past mistakes or worrying about the future can be mentally exhausting. Practice techniques like meditation to reduce rumination.
Letting go is a process, and it may take time, but try to be patient and prioritize self-care as you work toward better mental health.
#SelfCareSunday
Tickling may seem harmless, but it`s crucial to understand its nuances, especially when it comes to children. While laughter is often associated with joy, it can sometimes mask discomfort or anxiety.
Laughter triggered by tickling can be a physiological response, but it can also be a way for children to cope with unexpected touch. In some unfortunate cases, tickling can be an initial stage in normalising unwanted physical contact, making it vital to prioritise a child`s boundaries.
It`s our responsibility as parents and caregivers to respect those boundaries. We should always encourage open communication with our children about consent and personal space. And if you do engage in tickling play, always stop as soon as the child asks you to.
#RespectBoundaries #ChildSafety #ParentingAwareness
A study published in 2021 in the journal Child Development found a remarkable connection between kindness and academic success in children. (Armstrong-Carter et al., 2021).
The research showed that children who consistently demonstrated kindness, generosity, and helpfulness not only scored higher on academic tests but also made more significant progress in their studies. This behaviour included being considerate of others’ feelings, being helpful if someone is hurt, volunteering, being kind to younger peers, and sharing readily with others. The researchers also found that children who were more kind were more likely to overcome the potential educational disadvantage of coming from an underprivileged background.
So kindness isn`t just about being a good person; it`s a superpower that can boost a child`s cognitive development. When children practice empathy, share, and help others, it positively impacts their learning abilities and overall educational journey.
#education #kindness #studentsuccess #mentalhealth #empathy
