KidsXpress Position on Thriving Kids
Creating the conditions for early recognition, engagement and participation
Half of all adult mental health conditions start before age 14*. We’re here to change that.
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)).
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)
Our News
View Our Latest Updates 
Welcoming Kelly Slessor to the KidsXpress Board
KidsXpress is pleased to welcome Kelly Slessor to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the organisation’s governance and strategic capability.
Media Release
Major National Study Exposes the Scale of Childhood Trauma — 2 in 5 Australians Affected, With Lasting Health Consequences
KidsXpress Welcomes Two New Board Directors
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 Statement on NDIS Review of Music and Art Therapy
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 named Social Impact Partner by Future Generation Australia (ASX: FGX)
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.
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.
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.
Building Teacher Capacity at a Northern Rivers School
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.
Helping Lily beat the brain bully
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.
Nadia's Triumph
Nine year-old Nadia, has been grappling with anxiety ever since the COVID lockdowns.
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
Instagram Feed
@kidsxpressmentalhealth There’s a simple way to support KidsXpress at no cost to you.
@peoplefirstbankau is currently running a promotion where one entrant will win $50,000, and their nominated charity will receive $20,000.
If you’re entering, you can nominate KidsXpress.
Enter here >> www.peoplefirstbank.com.au/doublethegood
Double the Good. Double the Impact.
We are excited to announce that we have been awarded a grant from The @latrobe_health_services Foundation!
This grant will help KidsXpress provide vital expressive therapy services to children in the Snowy Valleys.
Thank you, Latrobe Health!
#CommunityHealth #LatrobeHealth #TheLatrobeHealthServicesFoundation
“It really shifted things for our family.” When a parent says this, we know it’s not just about behaviour changing — it’s about the atmosphere at home feeling different.
Trauma-informed support doesn’t focus on “fixing” a child. It strengthens safety, understanding and connection across the whole family system.
Healing happens in respectful, relational spaces — and that ripple effect reaches far beyond the therapy room.
#TestimonialTuesday #ParentingSupport #TraumaInformed #FamilyWellbeing #KidsXpress
We love how this young client from Granville PS described KidsXpress in their evaluation.
There’s something powerful about how instinctively they recognised that wellbeing isn’t separate from learning or their future.
When children feel safe, heard and supported, it doesn’t just help at school — it shapes how they move through life.
#TestimonialTuesday #ParentingSupport #ChildWellbeing #EmotionalRegulation #KidsXpress
Big changes feel safer when children don’t face them alone.
Moving to high school can bring excitement, but also worry about fitting in, coping academically or leaving familiar teachers behind.
When children are supported to build emotional regulation skills before the transition, they step into the next chapter feeling more secure and capable.
Through our school partnership program, KidsXpress includes high school transition support to help children prepare emotionally as well as academically.
#TestimonialTuesday #ParentingSupport #EmotionalRegulation #SchoolTransition #KidsXpress
Many people will have seen media coverage of a violent incident involving Sydney school students, including distressing footage circulating online.
Our thoughts are with the young person at the centre of this incident and their family. When moments like this are shared widely, it can extend the harm for the child involved and impact many other young people who may have seen the footage.
Completely shielding children from what spreads online is almost impossible. But how we respond as adults can make a real difference.
If your child has seen or heard about the video, this can be an important moment to check in and create space for them to talk about how they’re feeling.
Children shouldn’t have to carry these moments alone. It’s up to us as adults to hold calm, supportive spaces where they can process what they’re feeling safely.
We’ve created a practical guide for parents and carers on how to support children when distressing videos circulate online.
#traumainformed
