This Mental Health Month, the theme is “a little connection goes a long way”. To explore what that means in practice, we sat down with Jay Gardener, New Horizons’ new lived experience lead.
New Horizons is proud to announce that our pioneering suicide aftercare program, i.am, has been awarded the Mental Health Matters Youth Award, recognising excellence and innovation in prevention and early intervention initiatives that support young people across New South Wales. This award celebrates programs making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people experiencing mental health challenges and acknowledges the critical role i.am plays in supporting children and young people experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or recovering from a suicide attempt.
We’re delighted to announce the official opening of the Bondi Medicare Mental Health centre. Delivered by New Horizons and commissioned by Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN), the centre provides free, walk-in mental health support for adults aged 18 and over, with no appointment or referral needed. The centre was officially opened by the Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health.
For the past few months, teams across New Horizons have been gearing up for a huge milestone: the launch of our very first on-site shared support (OSS) model at the new La Vera development in Macquarie Park. Bringing on-site shared supports Macquarie Park to life gives NDIS participants a fresh way to enjoy true independence in their own modern apartments, backed by the peace of mind of knowing support is only a click away.
New Horizons has proudly launched a new outreach van in Kempsey, bringing homelessness support services directly to the people who need them most. The assertive outreach van is designed to meet people where they’re at. Fully voluntary, it’s equipped with essentials including basic first aid supplies, tents, clothing, and hydration, so the team can respond to people’s needs no matter the weather. The van also allows staff to conduct initial assessments and onboarding on the spot.
This R U OK? Day (Thursday, 10 September 2026), Australians are being reminded that checking in on each other shouldn’t be reserved for one Thursday in September. The message, “Ask R U OK? Any Day” calls on all of us to make meaningful conversations part of everyday life, not just an annual event.
“Men’s Mental Health Week (15–21 June) is a chance to break down the silence that still surrounds men’s mental health.”
For Nick Murphy, a peer worker with i.am in Tamworth, that silence is something he knows personally. Growing up as a bloke in a country town, he came from a background where men simply didn’t talk about things. Now, he’s helping to change that: one basketball game, one footy pass, one walk at a time.
“Men’s Mental Health Week (15–21 June) is a chance to break down the silence that still surrounds men’s mental health.”
For Nick Murphy, a peer worker with i.am in Tamworth, that silence is something he knows personally. Growing up as a bloke in a country town, he came from a background where men simply didn’t talk about things. Now, he’s helping to change that: one basketball game, one footy pass, one walk at a time.
Meet Jason Sheard, Australia’s top-ranked wheelchair golfer and a proud New Horizons Support Coordination client. Having moved from occasional social games to competing in national and international all-abilities tournaments, Jason now holds a world ranking and continues to build his presence in the sport.
