Celebrate World Mental Health Day –

In line with World Mental Health Day, Boys’ Town recognises that a child’s mental health is deeply connected to the well-being of their caregivers. When a caregiver is struggling, their capacity to care for their dependents may be compromised despite their best efforts. Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care offers crucial support by managing a pool of dedicated respite carers who provide emergency and interim respite care to families who are temporarily unable to provide care for their infants and young children.

Michael* found himself in this situation when his wife was incarcerated, leaving him to raise their son, Joshua*, alone. As the sole breadwinner, Michael faced significant financial challenges while trying to meet Joshua’s needs. Seeing his struggle, Michael’s case was brought to the attention of Sanctuary Care, who connected Michael to a volunteer respite carer in the community. The respite carer took Joshua into their home with loving and open arms while Michael worked on his financial situation and improved his mental health.

Having trusted respite carers looking after his son on the weekends gave Michael the time and space he needed to care for his own well-being and financial struggles. After 5 months of receiving support, Michael, rejuvenated and well-rested, welcomed Joshua back with open arms, ready to provide his son with the love and attention he deserved. As he looks forward to reuniting with his wife, Michael is now equipped with the resources and support he needs to navigate the challenges of parenthood.

This World Mental Health Day, Boys’ Town puts the spotlight on Our Milieu Project, our newest initiative targeting children and youth mental health, and highlighting the importance of mental health support for their caregivers. We appeal to your generosity to support this campaign to improve the mental health and well-being of vulnerable children and youth, as well as their families. Each contribution to this Special Appeal goes a long way in ensuring that children and youth in the community receive mental health awareness and support, and their families gain the knowledge and resources to care for them. Additionally, donations $50,000 and above received through this appeal will have the opportunity to co-brand an OMP programme, or be listed as a supporter of an OMP Programme (if available).

You have read about Boys’ Town Sanctuary Care’s positive impact on Michael and Joshua. Click here for other impact stories and programme by the other 3 keys services: Clinical Intervention Centre, Adventure Centre and YouthReach, which run OMP!

*Not their real names

Click here to read the full appeal