The Reach Foundation is embarking on a transformative journey to Mount Gambier this week to break the silence surrounding mental health concerns that are affecting local young people.

In collaboration with the family of the late 14-year-old Will Norman, Reach is on a mission to foster a culture of mental health awareness and resilience.

The pioneering organisation in preventive mental health has embarked on a week-long excursion in Mount Gambier, delivering a series of impactful workshops across multiple schools.

The workshops are designed to equip young minds with the essential skills required to navigate their emotions, connect meaningfully with others, and foster open conversation about the challenges they face in their everyday lives, with a dedicated team of experienced facilitators will lead a total of 16 workshops throughout the week.

The impactful workshops in Mount Gambier have been made possible through the generous support of The Will Norman Foundation, which was established in memory of Will, whose family set up the foundation with the dream and drive “that something good may come from something truly unimaginable”.

The Norman family has dedicated the funds, raised by the community, to support Reach workshops, benefiting up to 1000 local young people.

South Australia Department of Education local director Adam Box extended his unwavering support to Reach.

“I have had the privilege of participating with students in Reach workshops and the incredible skills of the Reach facilitators enable kids to be honest, open, connected, and vulnerable,” he said.

“From my experience, the impact of the Reach workshops is long-lasting. I still have past students, who are now adults, talk to me about the positive impact the Reach workshops had on them and the benefits these workshops provided them both in school and life.”

If you or anyone you know are experiencing difficult thoughts or require mental health support, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or go to the www.reach.org.au for further resources.