Kulture Break partners with Lifeline Canberra to boost mental health support

Two of Canberra’s not-for profit services to young people have announced a working partnership to deliver more mental health support to Canberra’s youth.

Kulture Break founder Francis Owusu has announced a partnership with Lifeline Canberra delivering information and knowledge through the Kulture Break schools program.

“We wanted to support mental health and well-being as well, particularly in young people,” said Mr Owusu.

“And we found that dance has a positive mental health impact but the social connection aspect of it, the ability to connect physically was temporarily removed last year.

“So we thought how can we connect with other like-minded organisations who want to reach young people and prevent them from going down the wrong path, by providing mental health support?”

Kulture Break conducts dance classes, mentoring and social skilling programs, tailored workshops, seminars and conferences, motivational talks, and performances for schools, government agencies, and community organisations across Australia, and internationally.

“The partnership with Lifeline Canberra will provide young people with access to resources and support,” said Mr Owusu.

“A lot of young people don’t know enough about Lifeline Canberra and the resources they provide.”

Through the new partnership, Kulture Break and Lifeline Canberra hope to deliver support where it is needed in the absence of both the physical dance exercise and social connection needed for good mental health in young people.

Lifeline CEO Carrie Leeson said both organisations have the same values and philosophies and are directing their passion and energy into the same priorities.

“There are organisations where your values and philosophies are parallel, where your passion and your energy are committed, and Francis and I have been talking for a while about what we could do together,” said Ms Leeson.

“The partnership will mean that we’ll be able to subsidise and support young people to join in our programs in schools,” said Mr Owusu.

Both organisations have flagged some upcoming initiatives for the partnership which Mr Owusu said will be accessible to all young people and encourage them to take part in a soon-to-be-announced special event.

“We’re very excited about it, we believe it’s a game-changer, and we want to forever cement that Kulture Break is more than just dance, that it supports the mental health and well-being of young people.”

Ms Leeson said both organisations are trying to engage, alleviate distress, and empower young people to take the first step towards good mental health, and build resilience.

“That all comes through sharing support and information,” said Ms Leeson.

“Self-care is not day spas and holidays, it’s a series of tough conversations and decisions, which can’t be bought,” she said.

“People who have the courage to pick up the phone and call Lifeline Canberra, and participate in Kulture Break are showing they’re ready to make that first step in self-care.”

For further information, head to Kulture Break and Lifeline Canberra websites.