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Taking part in Stride Outside

Help us reach our goal of $5,000

Please Help Us
Reach Our Goal

Raised

$2,481

Our Goal

$5,000

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Small Acts Of Kindness. Real Recovery.

What do you think of when you hear mental health?


For many, the mind becomes a machine — thoughts, emotions, neurotransmitters, inputs and outputs. We talk about it like a computer processing the world around us. But not long ago, people believed the bumps on our head defined us — the now‑debunked science of phrenology. It’s a reminder that in the rush to “fix” things, we can lose sight of the simple, human truths right in front of us.

Sometimes recovery begins in the smallest moments: the pause overlooking a lake, the warmth of early spring sun easing the winter heaviness, the quiet breath that reminds you you’re still here.

This September, we’re championing those moments. At Southside Community Step Up Step Down, we’re making it our priority to get outside every day — to be beyond four walls, to sit a little longer in the places that help us reconnect.

At SCSUSD, we recognise the common humanity shared by everyone navigating their mental health. Our service runs 24/7, 365 days a year, offering Canberrans a safe, therapeutic, and innately human six‑week program. Through our residential and outreach phases, we support people stepping up toward hospital when things feel overwhelming, and stepping down from hospital when home still feels a little too far away. 

In partnership with Canberra Health Services, we sit, listen, and return recovery back to the person — their pace, their story, their direction.

Over the past four years, hundreds of Canberrans have found connection and hope with us, and this year, we’re fundraising for the things our participants have asked for most: therapy dog visits, an in‑house edible garden, and richer creative activities.

Every dollar raised goes directly to the people we support. Your impact will be felt immediately, and personally.

On behalf of them, thank you — truly — for every contribution, no matter the size 🙏

Our Achievements

Raised 50% of Our Goal

Reached Fundraising Goal

Team Updates

The Heart of SCSUSD

In many wider conversations, mental health is often framed as a set of skills to master or a lifestyle to optimise. But human experience isn't a straight line. Set backs can also be launching pads.

Long-term research keeps pointing to the same idea — people adapt, shift, and often uncover new strengths through the challenges they’ve lived.

SCSUSD is built on that understanding. Our approach is shaped by decades of evidence about what genuinely supports people as they move from distress into steadiness, and towards a life that feels connected, meaningful, and intentional.

At the heart of SCSUSD is a simple belief — humans evolve. Through small, steady steps, our team is here to support Canberrans as that evolution unfolds.

Thank you to our Sponsors

$1,000

Anonymous

Yo go girl!!!!!

$200

Anonymous

Thank you for the valuable support you offer to the Canberra community.

$195

Anonymous

Go Julie!

$107

Angela

Proud of you x

$105

Oli Tan

Happy to support this great initiative! All the best to everyone taking part, and well done to the team behind Step Up Step Down for making a difference in our community!

$100

Adam Allanson

Keep striding and striving to help people with the mental health needs, Miji!

$85

Anonymous

$82

Andrew Lenihan

Well done Miji! All the best working towards your goal

$67

Elena And Carl Bunk

What a great course.

$50

Nadine Potter

$45

Anonymous

Keep up the fantastic work

$35

Anonymous

Please do keep up your fantastic work

$30

Anonymous

Keep up the great work supporting people in their recovery

$29

Anonymous

Love your work

$29

Jacqui Smith

Go Jordan ! Great cause

$25

Anonymous

Thank you for your support of people in the ACT

$24

Karen Roberts

$24

Julie

C'mon team let's go outside in September for Stride

$24

Amanda Hammond

$24

Bernie F

Way to go Julie!

$24

Donna Walsh

Well done Nadine. Love Donna

$24

Robyn

$20

Jacqui Low

Rest up Jules!

$20

Anonymous

Thank you for your support of the ACT community

$19

Anonymous

Keep up the great work!

$17

Sonia Chandak

Best wishes

$12

Sanjay Thapa

Keepup the good work.

$12

Return It Cans

Only 1 more week to go. You are doing great.

$10

Sagar Adhikari

Bhandari ji

$10

Sandip Khanal

Best wishes for all the wonderful work you’re doing for the community. Your efforts are truly appreciated. 🙏

$10

Anonymous

Thank you

$10

Anonymous

Shine your light!

$6

Kim

$5

Jo Sibbison

Well done Julie

$2

Anonymous

$1

Anonymous

$1

Anonymous

Our Team Members