We are thrilled to share that Open Parachute won the Social Impact category at the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards!
This award recognises the role of design, innovation and impact to create a better society. The jury praised Open Parachute, commenting:
"The Jury extends congratulations to Open Parachute for its impactful work in promoting mental resilience among K-12 students. Operating across Australia, Canada, and the USA, this program equips students with essential mental health skills, fostering empowerment and well-being. The Jury particularly appreciated the program's focus on integrating peer voices, which enhances its authenticity and relatability. This initiative stands out as a powerful example of how educational design can support mental health and resilience, making a lasting positive impact on future generations."
And we couldn’t agree more! Open Parachute, developed by the amazing Clinical Psychologist Dr Hayley Watson is the only nationally available in-school mental health program built around peer-to-peer learning at its core. It teaches kids the psychological skills they need to cope with the many challenges they’ll face that can impact their mental health.
With 96% of Australian teachers seeing their students use these learned behaviours regularly – it really is working!
Open Parachute has also recently been recognised as an approved supplier on the NSW Department of Education Student Wellbeing External Programs Catalogue. Another tick of approval for its proven positive outcomes for students.
Click here for more information on the program.
Click here if you’d like to donate to help us teach these vital skills to more Australian students.