In response to the increasing demand for digital mental health support among teenagers, Kids Helpline has launched the innovative ‘My Circle’ platform.
This co-designed program offers a crucial lifeline to young Australians navigating mental health challenges.
yourtown CEO Tracy Adams said My Circle demonstrates the power of collaboration and how it can positively impact access, equity and delivery of digital mental health support to teenagers.
“We cannot allow mental ill-health to become the new norm in children and young people,” Ms Adams said.
She highlighted the growing demand for mental health services that often outstrips capacity, particularly in rural and remote areas, leading to long wait times and limited access to affordable care.
“My Circle is a free, private, and anonymous social network that offers a peer support community to young people in a clinically moderated environment,” she said.
The development and scaling of My Circle were made possible through a $1 million investment from the Bupa Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Sydney’s Cyberpsychology Research Group.
Since its inception in 2021, the platform has seen nearly 4,000 new users in 2023 alone, with 70 per cent of these users aged between 13 and 17.
Dr Pablo Navarro, clinical advisor for yourtown projects, likened My Circle to established peer support communities like Alcoholics Anonymous, which thrive on shared experiences and mutual support.
He noted that young people increasingly seek online help due to concerns about being misunderstood or judged in person.
My Circle addresses these concerns by providing an anonymous, peer-supported environment, moderated by clinical professionals to ensure safety and accuracy.
The success of My Circle lies in its co-design with young people, giving them ownership and empowerment in their help-seeking journey. This approach fosters sustainability in mental health care as young users learn and share their knowledge within their communities.
Bupa APAC Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Roger Sharp, commended the program.
“Innovative prevention and early intervention mental health programs like My Circle are vital for ensuring children can feel safe, mentally healthy, and confident in their daily lives,” Mr Sharp said.
“Through the Bupa Foundation’s ongoing support for Kids Helpline, we are pleased to help improve the wellbeing of young Australians.”
Kids Helpline remains Australia’s only national 24/7 counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25, provided by yourtown. For assistance, free call 1800 55 1800 or visit Kids Helpline.
