The Goals aHead Program, developed in partnership between the Purple Hands Foundation and zero2hero, and funded by our major partner uLaunch - powered by AKG, has made a significant impact on our school community.

Gary Benzies, a seasoned educator, shared his insights on the program's effectiveness and engagement with students at Safety Bay Senior High School, where Gary is the Student Support Coordinator.

“We’ve had lots of incursions in our school since I’ve been fortunate enough to work here. Some are good some are not so good. Some are directed at the kids at their level, and this (Goals aHead program) is certainly one of those," Benzies noted reflecting on the various programs he has seen.

Benzies emphasised the importance of the program's sport-based approach, praising the delivery and involvement of Fremantle players.

“It’s teaching the kids that sport should be an integral part of their life, or certainly being active should be part of their life forever. I’m a really, really big advocate for that," he said.

“For me, the way that the program was delivered, the presenters were absolutely fabulous and to have some of the playing team down here as well was just awesome.

“They are some real role models that the kids really related well to… for the players to come in and develop those relationships in a relatively short time is first class.

“One of the things that children need is role models, and the presenters certainly acted in that vein. They were very, very supportive of what the kids were doing and what the program was doing.

“They talked the talk and walked the walk.”

Benzies highlighted the challenges faced by today's youth, noting that with technological and social developments, the pressures of school life far exceed the pressures that he went through as a young teenager.

“Sadly, the world is a different world to the one that I grew up in which was probably far, far simpler,” he said.

“Everything has gotten a lot faster these days, everything is in your face.

“Nowadays things like bullying can be 24/7 with access to social media, most kids have access to a phone and the internet so they can’t really switch off like maybe I could when I was growing up.”

Youth mental health issues are on the rise in Western Australia, where 1 in 4 young people are currently experiencing poor mental health, and the state has the second-highest rate of youth suicide in the country.

Benzies also addressed dietary concerns and how the program works to not only promote physical activity, but also improving the diets of today’s youth.

“They show how to make smoothies and make it fun, but it makes the kids sit back and think about what they are eating and what they are taking in, which knocks onto your mental health; if your physical body is working well, then your mental health naturally clicks in and they tend to look after each other," Benzies stated.

“I’ve worked across various schools in my previous career, and you ask kids what they do on their holiday, and they say they stayed in their bedroom playing PlayStation for two weeks.”

The Goals aHead program seeks to reverse these troubling trends by engaging students in meaningful conversations and activities designed to build resilience and promote mental well-being.

“We need to encourage kids to get outside, and this program encourages them all to get outside, feel the grass beneath their feet, roll around on the floor, get out in the sun, be natural and have fun,” Benzies said.

“The kids were constantly smiling during the program.”

He highlighted the program's impact on building confidence.

“Seeing children confront their fears and overcome them was the highlight,” He shared.

“Whether that be talking out loud, working in groups they aren’t familiar with, whether it be teamwork and taking a leadership role in that team because they all change around with different tasks.”

Benzies reflected on the impact of the program being greater than just in the school grounds, that the students are taking the positivity and lessons learned home.

“Getting another email from a mum or dad saying thank you. That’s just massive, we don’t get that generally," he said.

Witnessing the success and positive impact firsthand the Goals aHead program had on students at his school, Benzies strongly recommended other schools in the community get onboard.

“I would recommend the program to other schools because it’s something that there are no negatives for,” He shared with a smile.

“I can’t see there are any negatives for it, the only thing the program is going to do is bring positivity to your school and your students.

“It’s going to give them extra confidence, it’s going to improve their morale, it’s going to make them laugh, it’s going to make them look at their diet, their sleep hygiene, encourage them to get outside more and the facilitators are honest, open and articulate and talk to the kids at their level, so they really develop good rapport and relationships with the kids," he concluded.

Program Manager at the Purple Hands Foundation Cherise Riccardo said she witnesses Goals aHead making a true difference.

“Mental Health is such a big issue for young people, and having an in-school program that breaks down barriers is a game-changer," she stated.

"Students get the real-life tools they need to navigate challenges and build resilience. Goals aHead creates that safe space for open conversations.”

Country Manager at uLaunch, powered by AKG, Mark Burns, is a strong believer in the difference that Goals aHead is having in schools.

“The Goals aHead program not only empowers students to embrace physical activity but also fosters resilience and mental well-being," Burns remarked.

"uLaunch is proud to support this much-needed initiative, as it creates a supportive environment where young people can connect, learn, and grow.”

The collaboration between Purple Hands Foundation and zero2hero to develop the Goals aHead Program, alongside the continuous support of uLaunch, powered by AKG, is a shining example of how sport and education can come together to create a meaningful and lasting impact on students' lives.

It equips them with the tools they need to lead active, healthy, and confident lives, which are essential skills for students everywhere.