Stand Tall was founded in 2012 in response to the tragic level of drug use, depression, bullying, homelessness and self-harm among high school students.

The organisation has helped thousands of children struggling with mental health issues and this year took the program to regional areas.

The Stand Tall program is a one-day TEDx-style event that includes inspiring stories and talks from experts. The PAYCE Foundation has supported Stand Tall by funding ambassador Joany Badenhorst.

Joany, Australia’s premier female para-snowboarder, knows from her own life the ups and downs young people face. She wrote about her experiences for the PAYCE Foundation.

Youth mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing our society. That’s why the PAYCE Foundation is expanding its support to one of the most effective programs in this field – Stand Tall. The Stand Tall Event was founded in 2012 in response to the tragic level of drug use, depression, bullying, hopelessness and self-harm among high school students.

The sold out, TEDx-style event is back at the Aware Super Theatre, the International Convention Centre in Sydney on June 8. The event for secondary students brings a host of speakers together to arm them with the skills of resilience, the strength to stand up to bullying, the keys to motivation, the power of perspective and the benefits of making wise decisions.

Mental health remains a critical issue among Australia’s young people. Stand Tall strives to support cohorts in metropolitan and regional areas across Australia, with students facing the same strains and anxieties that come with school, friendships, self-esteem and more.