Telstra Foundation: Putting mental health support in the hands of young people

Right now, 1.3 million young Aussies are struggling with their mental health. It’s a staggering number – one that tugs at our hearts and calls for action. But there is hope. Telstra Foundation and their partner, the youth mental health experts at Orygen Digital, have a bold mission to tackle this with the mobile phone.

This month marks a significant milestone in this journey. We’re proud to introduce you to Mello, Orygen Digital’s groundbreaking mental health app. Designed with and for young people, this app targets a common symptom of depression and anxiety – stuck thinking – to help young people with those sometimes-spiralling negative thoughts.  This approach is a world first, and importantly, it works. The clinical trial saw 8 out of 10 young people report an improvement in their anxiety or depression after using Mello for just six weeks.

Partnering with the Telstra Foundation

As part of our ongoing partnership, Telstra Foundation has supported Orygen Digital for over a decade to create innovative digital solutions that support young people’s wellbeing. Through our foundation’s programs, Orygen have honed their skills in digital product management, innovation, and human-centred design. They’ve accessed funding, training, and coaching – all in pursuit of creating something truly impactful. 

Why Mello matters

• Accessible Clinical Treatment – Mello represents a pioneering digital clinical treatment accessible via a smartphone app. Whether a young person needs support at home, school, or on the go, Mello is there.
• Co-Designed and Tested – Mello isn’t just theoretical; it’s been co-designed and rigorously trialled with input from young people themselves. Their experiences and needs have shaped every aspect of the app.
• Evidence-Based: Supported by robust clinical evidence, Mello offers a reliable resource for those struggling with stuck thoughts.
• Cost-Free: Importantly, Mello is free. We believe that mental health support should be accessible to all, without financial barriers.

Help when you need it

Backing Orygen to get to the public release of Mello underscores Telstra’s commitment to the wellbeing of young people. We recognise that thriving in today’s connected world requires more than just connectivity—it demands tools like Mello that support young minds.

If you have a young person in your life who struggles with stuck thinking this app could be just what they need. Download Mello