Statement regarding donation from Carlton Football Club

Attributable to headspace CEO Jason Trethowan: 

It’s important to discuss mental health and to support young people to reach out for help early.  

We send our best wishes to Elijah Holland and his family, along with any AFL player or young person experiencing mental ill-health. 

Nearly half of young Australians aged 12-25 are experiencing high levels of psychological distress. This rises to 65% for those aged 18-25, 66% if they’re First Nations and 77% if they’re from the LGBTIQA+ community. By the time they are 25, 63% of young people have experienced a mental health disorder. 

These funds will help headspace implement new and existing community youth mental health initiatives so more young Australians can get the right help when they need it. Help is available through headspace services in 175 communities across Australia, online and phone counselling services, vocational services, and presence in schools. In the 2025 financial year, headspace delivered more than 710,000 services to more than 120,000 young people aged 12-25.