Together, Hand in Hand, we are asking for your help.

We are a passionate, community-driven initiative dedicated to improving youth mental health across Ballarat and the surrounding regions.

Hand in Hand Ballarat was established in 2023 by Leah Ashton (PilatesFit Plus), Geoff Reese (Tennis Ballarat), and Dustyn Rodgers & Mel Blomeley (The Playground Gym) - three local business leaders united by a shared belief that our kids deserve better when it comes to mental health. Since then, our team has grown with the addition of Jodie Perry, a passionate mental health advocate who shares our vision.

At Hand in Hand, we believe that mental health is everybody’s business. Our mission is to create lasting generational change by raising funds to deliver the Open Parachute Program in local schools. This evidence-based initiative provides education, support, and practical tools to help young people build resilience and confidently navigate life’s challenges.

The mental health of our kids has never been so important!

We know how critical it is to empower our kids with skills, resources and education to help them navigate difficult times.

This program provides proactive resources for our kids and helps set them up with tools to assist their mental health for life. The peer-led initiative, built from Macquarie University research, aims to reduce mental health stigma and provide practical support for our kids. It costs only $15 per year to put one child through the Open Parachute Program....... only $15!

It's an opportunity for our kids to speak.

A resource to assist teachers with difficult conversations.

A program that will help save lives!

Let's empower our youth, raise some much-needed funds, and give our kids the mental health skills they need to be resilient and confident as they move into adulthood.

Together, Hand in Hand, we are asking for your help.