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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).

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
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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

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@kidsxpressmentalhealth
This quote resonates with adults who may have faced adversity in their formative years. However, some of us who work with children today, have encountered children who've endured unimaginable challenges. It's crucial to recognise that their reactions in moments of perceived joy, may not align with our expectations.  For these resilient young warriors, joy can be an unfamiliar territory. When our therapists work with them, our focus is not only on overcoming past traumas but also on helping them relearn how to embrace happiness and positivity.  #adversechildhoodexperiences #aces #childhoodtrauma #childmentalhealth
It's not our children's job to meet our expectations of understanding. Instead, it's our duty to validate their feelings and perspectives, even if they differ from our own. Understanding fosters trust and strengthens the parent-child bond. From a child development perspective, prioritising our child's emotional needs over our own desire to be understood enhances their self-esteem and emotional resilience.  For instance, when we say to our child "hey, I can see this is hard for you. When you yell and throw your book like that, it tells me you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. But there are better ways to tell me you're struggling and the teacher said this work needs to be done. Let's take a break, go for walk and talk about what's going on and and how we can find a solution together."  This approach not only acknowledges their emotions but also teaches constructive ways to manage them, fostering growth and mutual respect.  #childdevelopement #mentalhealth #parenting #parentingtips #childmentalhealth
A great reminder to teach our kids that it's okay to have off days, to feel stuck, or to doubt themselves. Remind them that each day is a step forward, even if it doesn't feel like it. Childhood is all about the process of becoming someone you've never been before.  #selfcaresunday
International Women's Day is an opportunity to address all forms of gender imparity – including unequal access to mental health services for women and girls.  Numerous studies consistently show gender differences in the referral patterns for mental health support, with boys potentially being referred more frequently than girls. The main reason for this is that boys struggling with trauma and mental health issues tend to exhibit externalising behaviours such as aggression or defiance, while girls are more likely to internalise their distress, leading to symptoms like withdrawal, perfectionism, overcompliance or self-harm. As such, they can be missed.  Our Trauma Informed Consultants work with schools, parents/carers and child welfare professionals to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to recognise the diverse ways in which trauma and mental health issues manifest in girls. By raising awareness and providing comprehensive training and support, we can bridge the gap in mental health referrals and ensure that all children, regardless of gender, receive the care and attention they need to thrive.  #IWD #IWD2024 #mentalhealth