In response to rising levels of youth mental illness and a growing need for early, meaningful support, Youturn has announced the development of its YouConnect Gym concept, dedicated youth-focused mental health and wellbeing hubs, the first being based in Tewantin Noosa.
The initiative will be supported and championed by mountaineer and mental-health advocate Oliver Foran, who will lead a fundraising campaign tied to his upcoming expedition in a project titled Climbing for Young Minds.
“Too many young people are navigating mental health challenges alone, feeling misunderstood, disconnected or stuck,” Youturn CEO James Blevin said. “With the YouConnect Gym, we intend to build a space where they feel seen, supported and part of a community.”
According to national data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020–2022), 38.8 per cent of Australians aged 16–24 years experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months, the highest rate among all age groups.
Australian Institute for Health and Welfare figures show for young people aged 15–24, mental health conditions, self-harm and suicide remain among the leading causes of disease burden in 2023 and suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians in the 15–24 age bracket.
Concurrently, many young people face social isolation, boredom, lack of meaningful connection or structured support, factors known to worsen mental health outcomes and Youturn has identified these trends as a call to action.
“Statistics tell a story of urgency,” said Blevin. “But statistics don’t tell us who the young person behind the data is. What they need is connection, trust and a place to belong. That’s what the YouConnect Gym aims to be.”
The YouConnect Gym is designed as more than a traditional gym, it’s a holistic youth-wellbeing hub offering:
• A safe, welcoming, non-judgmental space for young people aged approximately 12 – 25 to gather, connect, move and just be.
• Opportunities for physical activity, social connection, peer support and access to broader Youturn services (mental health support, social work, counselling, community programs).
• A community-centric environment aimed at reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking, building resilience, social skills and positive routines.
• A bridge for young people to engage with support before crisis escalates, offering early intervention, prevention and connection.
Any young person walking through the doors may come looking for a place to train, to connect, or simply to belong and will find a community, support, understanding and, often, hope.
As part of Climbing for Young Minds, Oliver Foran will undertake an extraordinary world record attempt: the fastest fully human powered journey from sea level at the Bay of Bengal in India to the summit of Mount Everest. The expedition spans thousands of kilometres and combines long distance cycling, remote trekking and high-altitude Himalayan climbing, pushing the limits of human endurance, resilience and logistics.
This high-profile undertaking will raise funds and national awareness for Youturn’s first YouConnect Gym, a proactive youth mental health initiative designed to give young people earlier access to connection, support and belonging. Through corporate sponsorships, donor contributions and public support, the expedition becomes both a powerful symbol and a practical vehicle for real mental health outcomes.
“This initiative isn’t just about raising funds, it’s about creating a home for hope and acceptance,” said Oliver Foran. “From the shadowed valleys of life to the sunlit summit of Everest, this climb is for every young person who deserves to feel supported, seen and part of something bigger.”
“We are calling on corporates, community groups and individuals to partner in this effort because the YouConnect Gym sits outside traditional government funded programs, addressing a rapidly growing youth mental health and social wellbeing need.”
Youturn recognises that many existing youth-services are reactive, responding only after crisis occurs. It describes the YouConnect Gym as different, in aiming to meet young people before crisis escalates, offering routine, connection and support when they may feel bored, isolated or unsure.
“This isn’t just about numbers or programs,” Blevin said. “It’s about giving young people a place to belong, a place to rebuild confidence, make connections and reach their full potential.”
Youturn invites members of the public to support the YouConnect Gym and Climbing for Young Minds. There are multiple ways to get involved: corporate sponsorship, donations, fundraising events, volunteering, social-media support, or simply by spreading the word. For more information visit Youturn.org.au
