Emma Hartley

My name is Emma, and I’m raising money to support mental health for youth, young adults, and people of all ages. This cause is deeply personal to me, because it’s not just about helping others — it’s about me and my daughter too.

We have both suffered — and continue to struggle — with our own mental health. Some days are easier than others, but the truth is, mental health doesn’t have an off switch. There are moments of hope, and there are moments of darkness. I’ve watched my daughter battle with anxiety and self-doubt, and I’ve fought my own battles with depression and emotional exhaustion. Through it all, we’ve learned how important it is to speak up, seek help, and remind others that they’re not alone.

Mental health challenges affect more people than we often realise — and it’s not limited to any age. From children and teens to adults and the elderly, so many Australians are struggling silently.

Here are some confronting facts:

In Australia, over 2 in 5 people (42.9%) aged 16–85 have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime.

-Among young people aged 16–24, 38.8% had a mental disorder in the past year.

-Mental illness is the leading cause of disability for Australians aged 15–44.

-On average, 9 Australians die by suicide every day, and more than 65,000 attempt it each year.

These aren’t just numbers — they’re real people. They’re parents trying to hold it together for their kids, teenagers feeling like they don’t belong, and adults fighting battles no one can see. They’re people like me and my daughter — doing our best every day to stay strong.

I’m hoping to raise $1,000 to support vital mental health services and awareness programs across Australia.

Every single donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference.

$10 could help someone access a helpline.

$50 could go toward therapy for a young person in crisis.

$100 could help a family attend a mental health support workshop.

I’m doing this because I know how hard it is to feel hopeless — and how powerful it is when someone reaches out and says, “You’re not alone.”

I’m doing this for my daughter — for every young person who’s ever felt invisible, scared, or not enough.

I’m doing this for adults who are still fighting battles from their past.

And I’m doing this for the generations to come — so that mental health isn’t a silent struggle anymore.

If this message touches you in any way, please consider donating — or simply sharing this page to spread awareness. Your support, big or small, could change a life.

Together, we can build a future where mental health care is accessible, stigma-free, and full of hope.

From my heart — thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with us.

With love and gratitude 

Em x