🚴Break The Cycle: A lap of Australia for youth mental health
📝 the mission
🚴 On April 28th, I began an 18,000km+ solo ride around Australia to raise funds for Human Nature, an organisation providing free nature-based mental health support to young people. Along the way, advocating for urgent reform in Australia’s mental health system.
The Goals 🎯
🌿 Raise $50,000 for Human Nature, a leading adventure therapy provider re-engaging at-risk youth in work, education, and community.
📢 Educate myself and others on the systemic reforms needed to better support young Australians and the growing mental health crisis.
🔥 Inspire others to do more of what inspires them.
📝 why this matters
As a young boy, I lost two uncles to suicide and later faced my own mental health battles, navigating homelessness and hospital stays. My recovery over the past 15 years has highlighted the power of community, nature and purpose—and the urgent need for alternative mental health solutions. Without innovative approaches and adequate funding, cycles of trauma, disadvantage, and mental ill-health persist.
The Numbers👇
📊 1 in 3 young Australians are currently experiencing mental ill-health.
💔 Suicide is the leading cause of death for 15–24-year-olds.
😖 71% of youth suicides are those aged 15-17.
💰 Mental ill-health in Australia costs between $40 and 73 billion annually, with 75% of mental health conditions emerging before age 25.
🌿 How Human Nature is changing lives
Human Nature is leading the way with adventure-based therapy, empowering young people through nature, mentorship and resilience-building experiences. Their combination of 1:1 and group adventure helps young people develop essential skills, mental wellbeing and social connection, allowing them to triumph over adversity and thrive.
Their work is life changing 👇
🌱 1,760 free nature-based therapy sessions delivered to 126 young people in 2024.
✅ 95% of participants attend more than 10 sessions - an industry-leading success rate.
💡 85% report significant improvements in mental health, confidence, and engagement with work, study, and relationships.
❤️ how you can support
1️⃣ Donate
Human Nature relies entirely on community support to provide life-changing therapy.
💲 $300 = 1 free nature-based therapy session for a young person in need.
2️⃣ Support My Ride
This journey is currently entirely self-funded. Contributions toward food, gear, or accommodation will help expand my reach and maximise my impact.
3️⃣ Follow & Learn
📩 Subscribe to continue learning about the cycles of trauma and disadvantage affecting the mental health of young Australians.
📷 Follow my journey on Instagram for daily updates and reflections.
🙏 With Gratitude
I am tremendously grateful to the business and community champions who have made this adventure possible ♥️
Major Partners
Community Champions
To explore partnership opportunities, get in touch on paul@paulyjames.com.
Together, we can Break The Cycle and help all young Australians live a meaningful and rewarding life.
-Pauly 🤙
