The Purple Hands Foundation, with the support of major partner uLaunch, an AKG company, are proud to announce a new partnership with Youth Focus to deliver its Goals aHead program in schools across Western Australia.  

Youth Focus brings decades of experience supporting young people’s mental health, and their expertise has been instrumental in shaping the next evolution of the 8-week mental health and wellbeing program. 

In Western Australia, nearly 40% of young people experienced mental health challenges in the past 12 months and suicide remains the leading cause of death among our young people aged 15 to 24. The need for proactive, preventative education that meets young people where they are, has never been more urgent. 

Purple Hands and Youth Focus are expanding the Goals aHead program’s reach, deepening the support offered,  and ensuring every participant has access to the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. 

The best programs are shaped by the voices of those they serve. That’s why Purple Hands has reimagined Goals aHead by actively seeking feedback from students, teachers, and key stakeholders. Their insights have guided every change, making the program more engaging, relevant, and practical than ever before.

It has resulted in a program that doesn’t just talk about mental health, it truly connects with young people, empowering them to take charge of their wellbeing and support each other. 

And it’s already making a difference. Data from Term 1 participants tells a powerful story: 

• Mental health literacy has jumped by 17%, equipping students with the knowledge to recognise and respond to mental health challenges. 
• Help-seeking behaviours surged by 30%, showing more young people feel confident reaching out when they need support.
• An outstanding 97% of students reported overall satisfaction with the program, reflecting its relevance and positive impact. 

These results highlight the power of listening to young people and tailoring programs to their needs. When we invest in evidence-informed, student-centred approaches, the outcomes speak for themselves. 

CEO of Youth Focus, Derry Simpson believes that this partnership will help more young people get the support they need.  

“The more we can talk about mental health, how to look after yourself and others, and what services are available, the more we’ll encourage young people to reach out with they need to,” Simpson said.

Together with Youth Focus and with the ongoing support of uLaunch, Purple Hands Foundation is committed to both expanding the reach and depth of Goals aHead.  

Major partner uLaunch, also champions empowerment. AKG Managing Director, Darren Hooper reflects on how Goals aHead is truly enabling young people to take charge of their wellbeing.  

“We know the impact mental health and wellbeing can have on people’s lives. By starting early and equipping young people with vital resources and strategies for managing mental health, we can set them up with skills they will take into adulthood,” Hooper said.

“We’re excited to continue working closely with schools and communities, to ensure every young person has the confidence, knowledge, and support they need to look after their mental health.  

Purple Hands Foundation General Manager Donna Rendell understands the importance of powerful partnerships with organisations like Youth Focus and uLaunch. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to our program partners for their expertise and ongoing commitment to this important work.” said Rendell.