Social Futures is pleased to share that the Resilient Kids program has received the national Resilient Australia Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

This recognition reflects the extraordinary resilience of children and young people across the Northern Rivers who helped shape the program through their lived experience post the 2022 floods.

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said, “The award acknowledges the deep collaboration that underpins Resilient Kids and the shared commitment to supporting young people after disaster.”

The Resilient Kids program was conceived by Primary Health Network, Healthy North Coast, through close consultation with community to address the unique needs of young people aged 8-18.

Funded by Healthy North Coast via the Australian Government’s $10 million grant through the National Emergency Management Agency – Lead agency Social Futures along with consortium partners The Family Centre and Human Nature Adventure Therapy brought the Resilient Kids vision to life, in parallel to Lives Lived Well.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said, “This award is a testament to the honesty, strength and vision of the children and young people of the Northern Rivers who opened up about their experiences and aspirations after the 2022 floods. 

“It’s inspiring to see how their voices have shaped how our region prepares for and recovers from disasters. We’re delighted that Resilient Kids has been being acknowledged as a leading model and that one of our service delivery partners, Social Futures, has been recognised for their exemplary leadership in delivering this innovative program.”

All of the organisations and individuals involved have been integral to delivering a model that empowers young people to build confidence, connection and practical coping skills post-disaster.

Since launching in 2023, the Resilient Kids program, delivered by Social Futures, has engaged 5,924 young people from across the Northern Rivers, tailoring services to each young person’s unique needs.

Support has been delivered through a diverse range of engaging and creative formats, including up to nine months of one-on-one counselling, art therapy, adventure therapy, group work, family supports, community connection activities, sports and games.

Social Futures senior manager Specialist Disaster Resilience, Shoshannah Oks, said, “This level of positive impact and recognition reinforces the value of investing in community-led solutions.”

The national recognition caps off an exceptional year for the program, which received the state Resilient Australia Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing on 16 September.

Resilient Kids was additionally honoured at the Wayahead Mental Health Matters Awards in Sydney on 26 September, where the team accepted the Mental Health Matters Youth Award, highlighting the impact of the program’s trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.

Social Futures provides a range of support services for communities impacted by natural disasters. Visit https://socialfutures.org.au/disaster-recovery or call 1800 719 625.