Australia is currently grappling with a severe mental health crisis among young men, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death for males aged 15 to 24.
Addressing this challenge requires moving beyond traditional methods that often fail to reach those most in need. Leading this shift is Headstart, a Melbourne-based, Gen Z-led organization that is transforming how young men connect with mental health support.
A New Approach: “By Boys, For Boys”
Founded in 2024 by Nick Irving, Headstart was born out of the gaps in the existing mental health system. Irving observed that traditional care often relies on a “blanket approach” that doesn’t always account for the specific factors affecting an individual.
Instead, Headstart utilizes a lived-experience model, hiring workers who have personally navigated mental health challenges, disability, or the juvenile justice system. This peer-to-peer connection is designed to break down the barriers of formal clinical settings.
“A lot of the existing mental health systems are quite one dimensional and set within their ways, but for us it comes down to showing up to what suits the individual best,” Mr. Irving said. “When young men are guided by mentors who genuinely get them, the connection is instant and that’s where growth starts.”
Breaking the Barriers of Traditional Care
For many families, the struggle isn’t just finding care, but finding care that is accessible. Julia, a mother of four, found that traditional supports were ineffective for her son, Thomas, who struggled to even leave his bedroom after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The “relaxed way of communicating” used by Headstart proved to be the turning point for Thomas. By meeting young men where they are, rather than requiring them to visit an office, the organization fosters a level of trust that clinical environments often lack.
The impact of this relatable approach is clear:
- 9 in 10 families report improvements in their son’s routine, independence, and wellbeing.
- Partnerships are already established with Monash Children’s Hospital and the Victorian justice department.
- Expansion plans are underway to move beyond Melbourne into Sydney and regional areas.
Moving Beyond the “Band-Aid”
The organization’s mission is to move away from temporary fixes toward sustainable growth. As Nick Irving explains, the current system often relies on a “Band-Aid approach” where medication is the primary response. Headstart instead focuses on relatability as the catalyst for change.
“We know that being relatable to these boys and leading with the approach that we do is critical for changing outcomes,” Irving said.
Through this Gen Z-led initiative, Australia is seeing a shift toward mental health care that prioritizes empathy, shared experience, and individual needs over rigid institutional structures.
Support Resources:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (for ages 5 to 25)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Source: Australian Associated Press