Beyond Blue

Last day in the office before the end of this financial year – and our heart is full! 30 June is such an important deadline for charities like Beyond Blue and our fundraising and philanthropy team has been amazed by the wonderful support from the community this year – especially in such a challenging economic environment. Our beloved community has shown incredible support these past two months. So many of you gave generously, showing people they matter. Thanks to the community and our major partner Downer who matched all donations up to $250k, our tax appeal has almost raised $900,000 for mental health, which is incredible! We’re dreaming big and aiming to raise more than $1,000,000 for mental health before 30 June. You can help make it happen! It’s not too late to make a tax-deductible donation this financial year and make an impact for people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide. Visit https://lnkd.in/gSfs8Uru to give today. Thank you! 💙

These words were shared with us by someone who called the Beyond Blue Support Service. It’s why your support matters so much. Feelings don’t follow a schedule. They can overwhelm us at any time. And when they do, we’re here – via phone or webchat – to provide free and immediate mental health support for anyone who needs it. We’re here to answer the phone at 3am to someone feeling alone and distressed. We‘re here to respond to a webchat at 9am when someone’s worrying about the day ahead. And we’re here thanks to the support of our wonderful community (that’s you!) Please, if you can, show someone else they matter with a kind donation by 30 June by visiting https://lnkd.in/gbEqdxwf. Thank you! 💙

Our very own Dr Luke Martin joins Prevention United’s Youth Advisory Group and Scarlett Smout (Matilda Centre) in a webinar on 19 June to explore the benefits and risks to young people’s mental health associated with smartphone and social media use. Topics covered include how we can harness the positive aspects of the digital environment while averting or minimising the potential harms associated with the online world. Register now at https://lnkd.in/gG6qwAVG.

According to Beyond Blue Forums Community Champion, Tim Coates, it's often the case that men reach out for help when they're at the end of their tether. What truly matters is that acknowledgement of needing support. Whether it's seeking guidance for mental health struggles, navigating life's challenges, or facing personal hurdles, the pivotal moment is realizing that you're not alone and that support is available. This Men’s Health Week, we’re encouraging men to check-in with their peers online for early mental health support, to start the conversation around mental health. You can visit the Beyond Blue forums at https://lnkd.in/gChH_ECm

The amazing Jelena Dokic joined The Hon. Julia Gillard AC on ‘A Podcast of One's Own,’ where she candidly discusses her childhood, tennis career, and journey through mental health challenges. Jelena's transformation into a tennis commentator, bestselling author, and motivational speaker is truly inspiring. Listen at https://lnkd.in/dSa9p5gn.

Loneliness can significantly affect our mental health, even at work when we feel disconnected from colleagues. Many people reaching out to Beyond Blue Support Service feel lonely and overwhelmed. Sometimes, all it takes is to be seen, heard, and understood. A simple phone call or conversation can create the connection someone needs and show them they matter. This June, every donation to the Beyond Blue ‘You Matter’ appeal will be doubled by Downer. Please give generously this month, and make your tax-deductible donation matter twice as much at https://lnkd.in/gr6pqxcz. 💙

We’re looking for a Technology Delivery Consultant to join Beyond Blue, to help us solve complex business problems. In this role, you'd be collaborating with stakeholders and vendors at key project touchpoints, providing technical support and managing applications, website changes, system issues, technical deployments, and testing. This is an exciting opportunity to influence future outcomes with cutting-edge technology. If you’re passionate about technology, highly organized, and ready to make an impact, we want to hear from you! Apply now before Monday 10 June 12.00pm, and join us in this exciting journey.

We’re delighted to announce that our major partner Downer is supporting our Beyond Blue tax appeal for the 4th consecutive year! That means that every donation made to our Tax Appeal will be matched by Downer Group, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000. We value our enduring partnership with Downer. Their total contribution towards our tax fundraising campaigns since 2021 could reach an astonishing $1,000,000 this year – not only helping provide round-the-clock, free mental health support to our community, but also helping us raise even more funds toward the Beyond Blue Support Service! As the financial year draws to a close, we are appealing for donations to help people experiencing loneliness – because loneliness affects one in three Australians. And it can be as harmful to our health as tobacco. Those of us who feel severely lonely are almost five times more likely to experience depression and more than four times more likely to have social anxiety than those who aren’t. So, if you’re still considering causes you want to support this end of financial year, please make the gift of mental health support for everyone in Australia. Visit https://lnkd.in/gTn2rVhM to make your donation matter twice as much with Downer’s support.

Today we welcome The Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO as the new chair of Beyond Blue. Widely respected former Governor of Victoria, celebrated community leader and former Family Court Judge, Ms Dessau brings to the role a deep commitment to social justice, and an understanding of how the circumstances and complexities of life can and do impact people’s mental health. Speaking to staff, Ms Dessau said she’s looking forward to leading Beyond Blue as we continue to support all Australians and improve access to mental health supports, helping people feel better earlier, get well and stay well. “Over my career, I have seen how the cards we’re dealt in life can shift and shape our mental health and wellbeing. I often reflect on people’s remarkable resilience and capacity for growth through adversity when they have the right supports at the right time,” Ms Dessau said.

Today’s parents are facing many challenges when it comes to their children’s mental wellbeing. 60% of parents with primary-school aged children are seriously concerned about their child’s mental health, with 1 in 3 extremely concerned. Parents have identified bullying and screen time as the main issues impacting kids, followed by social media and the stresses of learning. Parents are also facing their own mental health challenges, with 1 in 3 parents reporting they are unsettled or struggling. Clinical psychologist and Beyond Blue Senior Advisor, Dr. Luke Martin spoke to Channel 9 Sydney about what support is available; what parents can do to help their kids, and themselves, navigate these challenges in ways that protect their mental health. Watch Beyond Blue's parenting webinar, 'Caring for kids' mental health in a challenging world' at https://lnkd.in/gzpx28nU. And remember, if you are in need of support – no matter the size of the issue – contact our trained counsellors on 1300 22 4636.