As the new school year kicks off, Term 1 is the perfect moment to look back on the incredible impact of the Purple Hands Foundation’s Goals aHead made in 2025, and to celebrate the positive strides students are taking toward better mental wellbeing.
Thanks to the backing of the Purple Hands Foundation’s major partner, AKG, the program reached eight schools last year, engaging with 101 students across 807 sessions.
Each session harnessed the power of football to spark honest conversations, build lifelong skills, and help students better understand their mental health.
At its heart, the Foundation’s goals remain consistent.
- Increase Mental Health Literacy
- Decrease stigma
- Strengthen help-seeking behaviour
And our 2025 results show genuine progress in each of these focus areas.
Increased Literacy
An increase in understanding of mental health was demonstrated by 64% of students. Building this foundational knowledge equips young people to better recognise, understand, and manage their own wellbeing.
Strengthening Help-Seeking Behaviours
A total of 57% of students reported feeling more comfortable asking for help when they are sad, stressed, or worried. Providing practical tools and confidence to seek help remains one of the most important protective factors we can strengthen.
Reducing Stigma
Results showed that, on average, 43% of students demonstrated a reduction in stigma-related attitudes. Reducing stigma creates safer environments where mental health conversations can take place more openly.
Each session was proudly co-delivered with our mental health partner, Youth Focus, who bring their expertise and wraparound support to guide students through tough but important topics.
Reflecting on 2025, the numbers represent much more than percentages, they reflect real growth. More young people are feeling confident to speak up, more informed about their wellbeing, and more willing to support each other.
As we move into the new school year, the Purple Hands Foundation remains committed to keeping this momentum going, creating school environments where understanding replaces stigma, and asking for help is seen as a sign of strength.
