For young people impacted by family mental illness, sometimes home can feel unpredictable. Heavy. Confusing.  

At just eight years old, Kiah and her family had already been through significant upheaval. After experiencing domestic violence, Kiah mum Jen developed PTSD. To stay safe the family moved frequently while trying to rebuild their lives. With everything going on, Kiah became increasingly reserved and withdrawn, losing the joy of childhood.  

Jen knew her daughters needed support, especially support that would help them understand mental health in a safe, age-appropriate way.  

That search eventually led them to Kookaburra Kids. 

“Kookaburra Kids has really helped you be confident and less shy.”

Kookaburra Kids provides clinically designed, evidence based mental health education programs for young people aged 8 to 18 who are living in families impacted by mental illness. Programs focus on helping young people build mental health literacy, peer connection and help seeking behaviours through recreational activities and shared experiences.   

For Kiah, being a kid again, started with a Kookaburra Kids camp.  

At first, she was nervous. She described herself as quiet and shy before attending Kookaburra Kids programs. But over time, things began to change.  

She started trying new things. Snorkelling on the reef. Horse riding. Mesmerising glow worm encounters. Flying foxes. Activities she never imagined herself doing.  

“My favourite activity so far has been the snorkelling. I got to see fish and coral,” Kiah shared excitedly. “There was one fish that had green, blue, red. All of the colours.” 

“My favourite activity so far has been the snorkelling.” 

But the impact went far beyond the activities themselves.  

For young people impacted by family mental illness, confidence can be deeply connected to feeling safe, understood and less alone. Research shows these young people are more likely to experience school absences, stigma and their own mental health challenges. Many also take on additional caring responsibilities at home or feel like they are “missing out” on parts of childhood.   

Programs like Kookaburra Kids can be life changing, connecting young people with others who understand.  

Research consistently shows that peer connection and shared experience are among the most important supports for children living in families impacted by mental illness.  

Jen saw that change happen in real time.  

“Kookaburra Kids has really helped you be confident and less shy,” she told Kiah during their interview. Kiah’s eye’s lit up as she agreed. Today, Kiah says she feels more confident talking to people and making friends.  

For Jen, the programs offered something else too: reassurance.  

Knowing her daughter was safe, supported and enjoying herself gave Jen precious breathing room while recovering from PTSD and helping the family settle into a new chapter of life.  

“When she was on camp and happy, I was able to spend quality one on one time with my younger daughter,” Jen explained. “I was able to teach them coping mechanisms to actually feel safe and secure.”   

Jen spoke about feeling genuinely cared for by staff who took the time to understand the whole family experience, not just the immediate crisis.  

“They didn’t just see the parents as having mental health issues,” she said. “They really engaged and wanted to know about the whole family unit.”    

“I hope Kookaburra Kids keep having camps so me and my sister can go.” 

Research into young people living in families impacted by mental illness highlights the importance of programs that combine mental health education, flexibility, supportive relationships and shared experiences with peers.   

And for many young people, those experiences become lasting memories tied not to fear or instability, but to confidence, adventure and belonging.  

Kiah is already looking forward to future camps and eventually attending programs alongside her younger sister.  

For young people rebuilding after incredibly difficult circumstances, support that is tailored to their unique needs improves can drastically improve wellbeing outcomes.   

This EOFY, your support helps more young people like Kaia access programs that build confidence, connection and mental health understanding.  

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