Donate

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).

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 Guide

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.

  • 2,577

    students were reached by us in 2023 through our School Partnership Program.

  • 183

    teachers were supported through our School Partnership Program in 2023.

  • 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
KidsXpress
KidsXpress
KidsXpress
KidsXpress
KidsXpress
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

Find out more
Media Release

Media Release

KidsXpress calls for more government support to increase access to mental health services for children aged 12 and under.

Find out more
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.

Find out more
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.

Find out more
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
In our daily lives, the list of worries seems endless – from global unrest to work challenges, and from our elderly parents' health to our children's friendship dramas. Yet, fixating on these uncontrollable aspects only serves to fuel anxiety, leaving us feeling drained and unable to fully enjoy life's precious moments.  Despite knowing we can't control everything, we often find ourselves caught in this cycle of fixation. This constant worry chips away at our mental resilience and energy levels, creating a challenging cycle to break. However, by shifting our focus away from the uncontrollable and towards actionable steps we can reclaim our peace of mind and redirect our energy towards what truly matters.  For example, we can’t control how somebody treats us, but we can control how we react to that person and/or how much interaction we can have with them going forward. We can't ensure our child always pays attention in class, but we can support their learning at home, communicate with teachers, and encourage positive study habits.  Another helpful strategy is to visualise worst-case scenarios and devise a backup plan or coping strategy. This not only eases worry but also reveals that even if the worst happens, the outcomes may not be as dire as anticipated. For instance, if our child is worried about not having their favourite teacher next year, we might explore with our child the positive aspects of having a different teacher - this includes being exposed to various teaching methods, which can be beneficial for high school when students have multiple teachers.  The cycle of worrying about things we can’t control is tough to break. But we can take steps to reduce this type of stress, and it’s worth making the effort.  #anxiety #worry #childdevelopment #parents #parenting
One thing we hear a lot from parents is “I keep getting calls from the school…” These calls can evoke feelings of frustration, worry, and even guilt as parents grapple with the challenges of addressing their child's behaviour while balancing other responsibilities. And it's not just parents who find them difficult to handle; teachers and office staff also dislike making these calls, knowing the potential impact they may have on both the child and their family dynamic.  It's crucial to recognise that these behavioural challenges at school may be linked to underlying mental health concerns, such as anxiety, toxic stress or ADHD.  As you gather details from the teacher, pay attention to any triggers or patterns. What are the exact circumstances where your child acts out? Is it happening at the same time every day? Is another peer consistently involved? Take notes during the phone call; you're bound to be a bit flustered (or in the middle of your work day) and writing things down means you can review them later with your child without having to rely on memory alone.  It helps to also pay attention to any signs that may indicate struggles at home too. These include changes in mood or behaviour patterns. Other signs include changes in appetite, sleep troubles, school refusal, perfectionism, persistent worry or tics. This information can help guide you in seeking appropriate support and resources to address your child's needs.  Ask to speak to your school’s learning support team to develop a plan that supports your child's learning but also their mental health. This may involve implementing accommodations or interventions to help them manage stress and regulate their emotions more effectively. A pass that allows them to go for a walk whenever they need a break can be one example.  Above all, know that every call from the school is an opportunity for growth and improvement. It's a chance to strengthen the partnership between home and school, and ultimately, to help your child thrive. And remember, it’s never personal.  #childmentalhealth #schooltroubles #parenting #teachers
Our upbringing shapes not only our beliefs and behaviours but also our parenting styles. However, the world our parents prepared us for has evolved in ways they could never have imagined.  In today's fast-paced, interconnected society, children encounter a myriad of influences and challenges and so effective parenting requires a deep understanding of our children's individual needs, personalities, and the environment they navigate daily. For example, our parents may have raised us with the expectation of finding stable, long-term careers in traditional fields. However, in today's rapidly evolving job market, careers are often dynamic and multifaceted, requiring adaptability and continuous learning.  This shift highlights the importance of nurturing resilience and flexibility in our children. Instead of solely focusing on rigid career paths, we must encourage them to explore their passions, develop diverse skill sets, and embrace change as a natural part of life.  Similarly, in an era dominated by screens and social media, our parents didn't need to navigate the complexities of online interactions and digital footprints like we do today. In their world, face-to-face communication was predominant, and privacy concerns were far different.  This shift underscores the importance of teaching our children responsible digital citizenship. Instead of merely restricting screen time as our parents did with live TV viewing, we must educate them about online safety, cyberbullying, and the impact of social media on mental health.  Follow this page from more insights on how to weave child psychology in our parenting practices so that we can empower our children to navigate the complexities of the present while preparing them to thrive in the future.  #parenting #parentingtips  #childdevelopment #childmentalhealth