April Willis, at just 21 years old, is making a significant contribution to youth mental health in Australia. As a Youth Ambassador and Advocate for ReachOut Australia, April is using her own experiences to inspire, educate, and drive positive change. She is at the forefront of a movement to destigmatise mental health challenges and empower young people to seek help and build resilience.

ReachOut Australia: Leading Youth Mental Health Support

ReachOut Australia is the leading online mental health service for young people, providing evidence-based support and resources. With more than two decades of service, ReachOut has been a lifeline for thousands of young Australians who face mental health challenges. By offering free, anonymous, and accessible resources, it plays a critical role in improving the wellbeing of young people across the country. For April, ReachOut was a game changer during her high school years, providing her with the knowledge and confidence to overcome her struggles and later to become an advocate for others.

April’s advocacy work is critical at a time when mental health challenges are increasingly tied to the digital world. According to eSafety Australia, 43% of Australian teens have experienced negative interactions online, including cyberbullying and unwanted contact​.[i]

April is well aware of these pressures, having experienced the dual nature of social media through a viral TikTok post, which connected her to a community of young people dealing with similar issues.

Further research from the Australian National University highlights the growing concern of social media use, particularly its negative effect on life satisfaction among teens. Regular use of platforms such as TikTok and Reddit has been linked to lower life satisfaction, especially among young women​. [ii]

April’s work as an advocate seeks to provide young people with the tools they need to navigate these challenges and build mental resilience.

Small Change Big Change: A Consumer Giving Platform with a Big Impact

Small Change Big Change (SCBC) is a unique consumer giving platform that empowers everyday Australians to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. By partnering with businesses and offering consumers the opportunity to make micro-donations during everyday transactions, SCBC enables anyone to contribute to initiatives focused on building resilience among young Australians. SCBC funds organisations like ReachOut Australia, Beacon Foundation, and Red Dust, which implement impactful, community-focused programs designed to improve youth mental health, education, and wellbeing.

April’s work with SCBC highlights the critical role that consumer and corporate collaborative philanthropy can play in supporting social causes. Her advocacy has enabled SCBC to share compelling stories of resilience and change, inspiring Australians to make a difference through their everyday choices.

April’s involvement has seen her participate in a range of high-profile opportunities:

• Diplomatic Mental Health Mission to Jakarta: Engaging with local mental health organisations and discussing the role of social media.
• UNICEF SXSW Conference: Contributing to a report for the United Nations Summit of the Future.
• Panels and Media Appearances: Providing a youth perspective on issues such as mental health and online safety in forums with government officials and national media.

A Focus on Resilience and Empowerment

For April, resilience is the ability to remain strong in the face of adversity. Her work as a Youth Advocate goes beyond sharing her story—it’s about empowering others to realise their own potential and seek the help they need. April believes that young people must be given a seat at the table when it comes to decisions affecting their future. She continues to use her platform to ensure that youth voices are heard, not just in mental health conversations, but in broader discussions around education, technology, and policy.

April’s impact extends far beyond her personal journey. Through her involvement with ReachOut she is part of a broader movement to equip young Australians with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Her work demonstrates the importance of consumer-driven philanthropy in fostering social change and building resilient, empowered communities. Her message to those who want to make a positive impact in the world –

“You are capable of anything, and everything is possible. Speak up, even when your voice shakes.” — April Willis.

[i] https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/digital-lives-of-aussie-teens

[ii] https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/social-media-negatively-impacting-teens-life-satisfaction