The Sunshine Coast community is invited to the official launch of youth mental health charity Rise & Thrive Co. on Thursday, October 29, and the start of a $500,000 fundraising campaign.
The free event at The Wharf Mooloolaba will mark a major milestone for the charity, which has operated for three years with a single outreach worker, supporting more than 595 young people across 4760 individual sessions.
Independent program data from 2025-26 shows 94 per cent of participants reported improved emotional regulation, 85 per cent increased confidence and a 78 per cent reduction in school suspensions.
Founder and CEO Janelle Parsons says the launch represents a pivotal moment for the organisation.
“For the past three years, we’ve seen what can happen when a young person is given the right support at the right time. We’ve built the programs, we’ve seen the results and we know they work – but we also know there are so many more young people who need us,” Ms Parsons says.
The campaign will fund Checkpoint: a $160,000 mobile outreach hub for youth mental health, designed to take counselling and support services into schools and communities across the state.
Additional funds will help employ youth workers to meet the growing demand from schools, parents and community organisations.
Sunshine Coast local Jay Skoblar has been named an ambassador and will run 40km a day for 25 consecutive days from November 11, aiming to raise $50,000.
“If my story can give even one young person a little bit of hope, make them feel less alone or encourage them to believe that their life can change, then sharing it is worth it,” Jay says.
The launch runs from 4-6pm. RSVP at riseandthriveco.org.au/the-official-launch/
