Embrace the outdoors for enhanced mental health
Did you know that 8.5 million Australians have experienced a mental illness at some time in their life (43% of the population), and in the past 12 months alone, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 7 young people have experienced a mental health disorder?
There is good news. Evidence suggests that psychosocial supports – which are community-based, recovery-oriented supports – can be highly effective in supporting people with severe and complex mental health challenges to live independently and participate in the community. These are the types of supports offered by Stride.
By participating in Stride Outside you are raising funds to enhance Stride's community mental health services. Donations will be used for programs and services that support children, young people, adults, families and carers. You'll be helping our mental health teams to offer personalised support to people who are experiencing mild, moderate or complex mental health concerns, suicidal thoughts and feelings or emotional distress.
Support for early intervention
Stride offers a variety of services to children, young people, families and carers to prevent or reduce the progress of mental ill health.
Support for emotional distress
People who are in emotional distress or a time of crisis can gain support from peer workers at our Stride Safe Spaces and Safe Havens.
Support for complex mental health
Stride provides longer term support and accomodation for young people and adults with complex mental health concerns.
Stride Stories
Stride has been providing mental health services throughout Australia for 117 years. Informed by the experiences of our founder, Emily Paterson, we see each person as an individual and commit to providing the care and support they need. In FY23 we supported 18,309 people and provided 250,611 occasions of service. We're honoured to share stories of people we've had the privilege to walk alongside through their mental health journey.
Meet Cassandra
Cassandra has worked with Recovery Coach Jane Brow for over five years. From her first visit until today, Cassandra has been supported to make incremental and meaningful changes to gain a more positive outlook on life. Cassandra has rejoined her community, built confidence, gained employment and a driver's license.
Cassandra says, "it’s all because of Stride and how they supported me".
Meet Brett
“I was introduced to Stride in 2018. I was living in an aged care facility at the time. I have OCD [Obsessive-compulsive disorder] and needed a place to stay and Stride helped a lot with that.OCD isn’t disabling. I can still function but it has the potential to affect every activity that I do. I think one of my support workers and my sister helped me get a place at Supported Independent Living in 2022. So I moved there.. which is much better than an aged care facility.”
Meet Helen
“Stride Hub Springwood helped me, a 66 year old suffering with mental health issues. They provided free courses that really helped get me the help I needed. All staff members showed understanding and compassion for my individual situation. I cannot recommend this team highly enough. They were always willing to help and listen and suggest solutions.
I am so grateful to have found Stride.”
