A welcome from our Co-Founder
Dear friends, families, volunteers and supporters,
This October, Australia comes together for Mental Health Month under one simple, powerful theme: Together We Thrive. It reminds us that connection is one of the strongest protections we have for our mental health.
At Athenie’s Angels, this message is the heart of why we exist. Our charity was born from love and loss, and from a belief that no young person should feel alone with what they carry. We have seen, again and again, how a single conversation can change someone’s day, and sometimes their life.
Connection doesn’t need to be grand: a text that says, “thinking of you”, a cup of tea with a friend who seems quiet, a teacher who asks, “How are you, really?” Small acts like these help people feel safe, understood and valued.
In this issue you’ll find practical ways to connect at home, at school, at work and online, tools to try, and details on joining us at Journey to Joy 2026 later this month.
Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we truly do thrive.
Peter Kalos
October is Mental Health Month
All through October, schools, workplaces, community groups and families are marking Mental Health Month under the theme Together We Thrive, and so are we. We are not meant to carry life on our own. When people feel connected, they are more likely to reach out when things get hard, and to bounce back.
Why connection matters
Staying connected is a key element of wellbeing in all our mental health programs. Connection:
- Helps us feel safe. Knowing someone is in our corner makes difficult feelings easier to face.
- Helps us feel understood. Being listened to without judgement reduces shame and isolation.
- Helps us feel valued. Small signs that we matter build self-worth and hope.
- Opens the door to help. Young people are more likely to seek support when a trusted person encourages them.
The teenage and early adult years bring big changes: exams, first jobs, friendships, identity and independence. A strong network of family, friends, mentors and community can make all the difference.
Our invitation to you
Before October ends, do one small thing each week to connect with someone: call a grandparent, check in on a friend who has gone quiet, or have dinner without phones. Then share your story using #TogetherWeThrive and tag @AtheniesAngels.
Join us at Journey to Joy 2026
Close the month with us at our annual celebration of hope, healing, connection and wellbeing. This year we’re aiming to welcome 100 guests, so bring a friend, a family member or a colleague.
| When | Sunday 25 October 2026, 11am to 2pm |
|---|---|
| Where | Monash Community Hall, 142–144 Drummond Street, Oakleigh VIC 3166 |
| Tickets | $25 per person |
| Book | https://events.humanitix.com/journey-to-joy-2026 |
What to expect
- Inspiring guest speakers, including mental health professionals and people sharing their lived experience
- Music, connection and community
- A raffle with prizes and gifts from our generous supporters
- A chance to meet our volunteers and learn about our 2027 programs
Every ticket helps fund free programs for young Victorians. Book your tickets today by gifting yourself this time for self-care.
Small acts, big difference
You don’t need special training to help someone feel connected. Here are simple ideas for every part of life.
At home
- Share one screen-free meal a week and ask, “What was the best and hardest part of your week?”
- Notice changes in mood, sleep or appetite, and gently say what you’ve noticed.
- Listen first. Resist the urge to fix things straight away.
- Tell the people you love what you appreciate about them, out loud.
At home
- Share one screen-free meal a week and ask, “What was the best and hardest part of your week?”
- Notice changes in mood, sleep or appetite, and gently say what you’ve noticed.
- Listen first. Resist the urge to fix things straight away.
- Tell the people you love what you appreciate about them, out loud.
At work
- Make check-ins part of team meetings, not just task updates.
- Welcome new starters and young workers and introduce them around.
- Managers: model taking breaks and talking openly about wellbeing.
- Know where to find workplace support, such as an Employee Assistance Program.
Online
- Send a message with no agenda: “Saw this and thought of you.”
- Be kind in comments and call out bullying when it’s safe to do so.
- Follow accounts that leave you feeling better, not worse.
- Move online friendships offline when you can: a call, a walk, a coffee.
Starting the conversation
Not sure what to say? Try one of these:
- “I’ve noticed you seem a bit down lately. Do you want to talk?”
- “How are you going, really?”
- “I’m here for you, whenever you’re ready.”
- “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
If someone shares that they’re struggling, thank them for trusting you, listen without judgement, and encourage them to connect with support. The services listed below are a good place to start.
Practical tools for connection
Use these this month and beyond. Print them, share them, or stick them on the fridge.
Tool 1: The four-step check-in
Based on the R U OK? conversation steps:
- Ask. Choose a relaxed, private moment. “How are you going? You’ve seemed a bit quiet lately.”
- Listen. Give your full attention and don’t rush to fix it. “That sounds really tough. How long have you felt this way?”
- Encourage action. Gently suggest a next step. “Would it help to talk to someone? I can help you find a counsellor.”
- Check in. Follow up in a few days. “How have things been since we talked?”
Tool 2: My connection map
Draw four circles, one inside the other:
- Connection with Self: One of the first and most powerful connection.
- Inner circle: people I can call any time, about anything.
- Middle circle: people I enjoy spending time with and could lean on.
- Outer circle: people and places that help me feel I belong, such as a club, a teacher, a coach or an online group.
If a circle feels empty, that’s okay. Choose one person or group to move a little closer and plan one small step this week.
Tool 3: The 7-day Together We Thrive challenge
| Day | Small act of connection |
|---|---|
| 1 | Send a “thinking of you” message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while |
| 2 | Have one meal with no phones at the table |
| 3 | Ask someone “How are you, really?” and wait for the answer |
| 4 | Write a thank-you note to a teacher, coworker or friend |
| 5 | Invite someone for a walk or a coffee |
| 6 | Leave a kind comment online, or report a hurtful one |
| 7 | Do something kind for yourself, and tell someone what helped |
Tool 4: Conversation starters for families
Young people often open up more side by side than face to face, so try these in the car, on a walk or while cooking.
- “What’s something that made you laugh this week?”
- “Who do you feel most yourself around?”
- “What’s one thing that’s been stressing you out lately?”
- “If you could change one thing about school or work, what would it be?”
- “Is there anything you’d like me to do differently to support you?”
Tool 5: Healthy habits for online connection
- Check your feed. If an account leaves you feeling worse, mute or unfollow it.
- Set phone-free zones, such as bedrooms after 9pm or the dinner table.
- Connect, don’t just scroll. Swap ten minutes of scrolling for a voice or video call.
- Know how to report and block on each platform. Visit eSafety for help with online bullying.
Tool 6: Look after yourself, too
Supporting someone can be draining. Set gentle limits, share the load, and remember you don’t have to be their only support. Encouraging someone to see a professional is an act of care, not a hand-off.
Other ways to help
- Share this newsletter with someone who would value it.
- Volunteer at Journey to Joy or during the year.
Where to get support
For ongoing support, reach out to us at www.atheniesangels.org.au. We provide ongoing support through education on mental health protective tools which you will carry with you in your toolkit for use during your life. Find us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Athenie’s Angels does not provide crisis services. If you need urgent help, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
We are a place of hope!