FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In response to rising levels of youth mental illness and a growing need for early, meaningful support, Youturn has announced the development of its YouConnect Gym concept, dedicated youth-focused mental health and wellbeing hubs to be based in SE Queensland. The initiative will be supported and championed by mountaineer and mental-health advocate Oliver Foran, who will lead a fundraising campaign tied to his upcoming expedition in a project titled Climbing for Young Minds.
“Too many young people are navigating mental health challenges alone, feeling misunderstood, disconnected or stuck,” said James Blevin, CEO of Youturn. “With the YouConnect Gym, we intend to build a space where they feel seen, supported and part of a community.”
Why YouConnect Gym Is Needed
- According to national data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020–2022), 38.8% of Australians aged 16–24 years experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months — the highest rate among all age groups. Healthcare Inquiry Commission+2Australian Bureau of Statistics+2
- For young people aged 15–24, mental health conditions, self-harm and suicide remain among the leading causes of disease burden in 2023. AIHW+2AIHW+2
- Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians in the 15–24 age bracket. AIHW+2Healthdirect+2
- Concurrently, many young people face social isolation, boredom, lack of meaningful connection or structured support, factors known to worsen mental health outcomes. Youturn sees these trends as a call to act.
“Statistics tell a story of urgency,” said Blevin. “But statistics don’t tell us who the young person behind the data is. What they need is connection, trust and a place to belong. That’s what the YouConnect Gym aims to be.”
What Is the YouConnect Gym?
The YouConnect Gym is designed as more than a traditional gym, it’s a holistic youth-wellbeing hub offering:
- A safe, welcoming, non-judgmental space for young people aged approximately 12 – 25 to gather, connect, move and just be.
- Opportunities for physical activity, social connection, peer support and access to broader Youturn services (mental health support, social work, counselling, community programs).
- A community-centric environment aimed at reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking, building resilience, social skills and positive routines.
- A bridge for young people to engage with support before crisis escalates, offering early intervention, prevention and connection.
Any young person walking through our doors might come looking for a place to train, to connect, or simply to belong. But what they’ll find is a community, support, understanding and, often, hope.
Oliver Foran & Climbing for Young Minds: Supporting the Gym
As part of Climbing for Young Minds, Oliver Foran will undertake an extraordinary world record attempt: the fastest fully human powered journey from sea level at the Bay of Bengal in India to the summit of Mount Everest. The expedition spans thousands of kilometres and combines long distance cycling, remote trekking and high-altitude Himalayan climbing, pushing the limits of human endurance, resilience and logistics.
This high-profile undertaking will raise funds and national awareness for Youturn’s first YouConnect Gym, a proactive youth mental health initiative designed to give young people earlier access to connection, support and belonging. Through corporate sponsorships, donor contributions and public support, the expedition becomes both a powerful symbol and a practical vehicle for real mental health outcomes.
“This initiative isn’t just about raising funds, it’s about creating a home for hope and acceptance,” said Oliver Foran. “From the shadowed valleys of life to the sunlit summit of Everest, this climb is for every young person who deserves to feel supported, seen and part of something bigger.”
“We are calling on corporates, community groups and individuals to partner in this effort because the YouConnect Gym sits outside traditional government funded programs, addressing a rapidly growing youth mental health and social wellbeing need.”
A Proactive, Community-Driven Approach
Youturn recognises that many existing youth-services are reactive, responding only after crisis occurs. The YouConnect Gym is different. It aims to meet young people before crisis escalates, offering routine, connection and support when they may feel bored, isolated or unsure.
It’s a preventative, strength-based model: a place where young people are understood, social skills can be practised, trust can be built and when they’re ready, they can engage with Youturn’s broader support services.
“This isn’t just about numbers or programs,” Blevin emphasises. “It’s about giving young people a place to belong, a place to rebuild confidence, make connections and reach their full potential.”
Call to Action
Youturn invites media, community leaders, corporate partners and members of the public to support the YouConnect Gym and Climbing for Young Minds. There are multiple ways to get involved: corporate sponsorship, donations, fundraising events, volunteering, social-media support, or simply by spreading the word.
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For media enquiries email community@youturn.org.au , and for interviews or more information, please contact:
Oliver Foran,
Mountaineer / Adventurer / Speaker
Phone:0413 072 997
Email: oliverforanadventure@gmail.com
About Youturn
Youturn is a community-based not-for-profit charity providing social, community, and health services across Australia. With more than 35 years of experience, we are trusted to support individuals and communities through life’s toughest challenges, empowering people of all ages to live safe, connected, and meaningful lives.
Most people reach out to us in times of intense crisis, life transition or emotional distress, seeking understanding and connection. Driven by compassion and equity, our multidisciplinary team of professionals deliver person-centered services and support across homelessness and accommodation, community and family support, mental health and wellbeing, and support after suicide loss.
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