Kai Fella Foundation

Young people face numerous challenges & navigate a lot of change in a short amount of time 🏁 From balancing education, work & relationships to managing expectations & planning for the future— all while trying to figure out who they are... it can take its toll. Our vision is that young people across WA are equipped with the ability to find their voice & be courageous during life’s most challenging moments. By equipping them with tools to improve how they treat themselves, others & those they care about, we aim to provide them with skills that will support them now & well into the future 🌈 Find out more about Kai-Fella Workshops 🔗 kaifella.com.au/workshops/

Our Workshop, Empowering Voices, creates a supportive environment for young women to talk about their experiences of being women in the world today, swallowing their thoughts and feelings, and how that affects mental health over time. The session empowers young women to recognise their strengths and full range of emotions and understand why this can be difficult. It also gives them a chance to practice this for themselves and others using empathy, understanding and self-care 🌈 Here are some key takeaways a Year 10 student shared following their session. Find out more & book now 🔗 loom.ly/cHOW25Y

Big thanks to the Perth team at Robert Walters for their support! This amazing group literally "walked the walk" for mental health, holding weekly wellness walks in the lead-up to their Global Charity Day, which saw them rally together to raise funds and awareness for our work supporting youth mental health in WA. Our team members, Jordan, Bronwyn and Claire, were thrilled to join them on Charity Day for their walk around Perth. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet their team and share more about our Workshops and the positive impact they have on our youth. Thank you to the entire team for your dedication, support and warm welcome 🌈

Earlier this week, we were warmly welcomed by City Rotary to share our story and connect with their members and guests. Our founder, Claire Eardley, spoke about Kai-Fella’s origins, our journey so far, and how we've continued to adapt to reach as many young people across WA as possible with early intervention mental health support—a lasting legacy in honour of her son, Kai. David Mundy, our Board Chair, shared insights into his role and our Workshops delivered in schools and sports clubs across the state, which challenge stereotypes, strengthen relationships, culture and our youth's capacity for courage. It was a wonderful morning connecting with people who share our vision of supporting our youth to address the growing mental health crisis. We are grateful to City Rotary for fostering a community of dedicated individuals working together to support organisations and causes to make a difference. A big thank you to Cr Bruce Reynolds and the entire Rotary team for hosting us and to the members and guests who came along to show their support. #KaiFella #KaiFellaWorkshops #YouthMentalHealth #CityRotary

Our vision is that young people across WA are equipped with the ability to find their voice & be courageous during life’s most challenging moments. Our third Workshop for young women, Building Courage, embraces this fully 🌈 Understanding one’s self is vital to navigating the important choices we face in life. This Workshop practices skills of self-awareness to empower participants to discover their authentic selves & the courage to stand up for their own needs & wants. Workshops run for 2 hours & are available for all students in Years 10, 11 & 12. Learn more & book now 🔗 kaifella.com.au/workshops #KaiFella #KaiFellaWorkshops #YouthMentalHealth

Today is a significant day — it's World Mental Health Day 🌈 This year’s theme, ‘Mental Health at Work,’ emphasises the importance of safe & healthy work environments in protecting mental health, as harmful conditions like stigma, discrimination & harassment can have a significant impact. We believe early intervention is vital to promoting wellbeing across the various stages & environments people experience during life, like school, a first job or well into their career. Our Workshops provide our youth with practical & solution-orientated skills that help them courageously navigate challenges & find their voice, so they can better support themselves & the people they care about now & well into their future. Find out more & book a Kai-Fella Workshop here 🔗 kaifella.com.au/workshops/

What’s your biggest regret? This question isn’t easy to answer at the best of times, let alone in front of a room full of peers. While it’s not required for students to do this in our third Workshop for young men, Taking Responsibility, we do explore what it means to powerfully repair relationships & stand up for people we care about 🌈 During the session, we build a collective sense of responsibility for how we treat others, the traits we have exhibited & practice the first steps to making amends through our words & more importantly our actions. Workshops run for 2 hours & are available for all students in Years 10, 11 & 12. Find out more & book now 🔗 kaifella.com.au/workshops

R U OK? Day 💛 Today is a reminder that every day is the day to check in with the people around you as sometimes, a simple conversation can make all the difference. A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week & the people you care about go through life’s ups & downs every day. The R U OK? team recommends four simple steps to check in: 1. Ask 2. Listen 3. Encourage action 4. Check-in Find resources & tips on starting the conversation 🔗 loom.ly/fDw-G7I If you or someone you know needs support, you can also find a few services that can offer assistance here 🔗 kaifella.com.au/get-help/ #RUOKDAY #RUOKDAY2024 #MentalHealth #CheckIn

Last month, we attended Perron’s Miss Chow’s Lunch, which brought together researchers and supporters to raise funds for Youth Mental Health Research at the Perron Institute through Telethon7. David Mundy, Chair (pictured with Jim Murphy from Perron Institute), Claire Eardley, Director & Founder, and Bronwyn York, a staff all-rounder (second pic), were among those who enjoyed the event. Claire shared our organisation’s journey, from its beginnings after the loss of her son Kai to suicide in 2016 to the launch of our own Kai-Fella Workshops across WA this year, a lasting legacy in honour of Kai. A highlight was the Q&A session with Dr Aleksandra Miljevic, a postdoctoral researcher, and Bradley Roberts, a PhD candidate and Kai-Fella Board member (third pic), who shared insights into their research on improving care pathways for youth mental illness at the Perron Institute. While completing his PhD, Bradley is also evaluating the impact of our Workshops in schools to provide evidence-based insights into their impact and a framework to ensure they continue to develop to meet students' evolving needs. We were thrilled to receive $2,000 from the auction of a Fremantle Dockers jumper, which will help us deliver Kai-Fella Workshops to Western Australian youth. A big thank you to the Perron Institute for hosting us and for their vital work. We look forward to continuing our collaboration towards evidence-based interventions that promote youth mental health. #PerronInstitute #PerronsMissChowsLunch #KaiFella #KaiFellaWorkshops #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthResearch

So often we hear about toxic female friendships, talking behind each other’s backs & gossiping, but why? In our second Workshop for young women, Strengthening Connection, we push up against this idea & look at the connection, community & care that can be found within female friendships 🌈 This Workshop breaks down the barriers that block great friendships between girls & gives them a chance to develop & practice skills of courageous communication, reflection & perspective-taking. Workshops run for 2 hours & are available for all students in Years 10, 11 & 12. Find out more & book now 🔗 kaifella.com.au/workshops #KaiFella #KaiFellaWorkshops #YouthMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention