This report aims to shine a light on the everyday lives of regional, rural and remote young people, their strengths and challenges, their mental health, and the impact ReachOut has in improving their mental health and wellbeing.

Using evaluative research conducted between 2017 and 2021, the authors look at changes over time, drawing comparisons with similar research conducted in 2017 and shared in the Lifting the Weight report. This allows them to assess the effectiveness of ReachOut’s new tailored and targeted approach to supporting this underserved population over the past five years, enabled by dedicated, sustained funding from Future Generation Global (FGG). They also look to the future, highlighting why ReachOut is needed now more than ever to continue to support rural young people and what more can be done to help them manage and improve their mental health and break down the barriers that prevent them from seeking help.