Statistics, Stories, and Surprises: Our 2025 in Review
- AMH Volunteer Team
- 22 hours ago
- 6 min read
This blog post celebrates the incredible milestones and moments that shaped Activate Mental Health in 2025. Each year, our community grows stronger, more creative, and more connected, and this one was no exception. Dive in to see what we’ve been up to!
Charity Conversion BBQ with Mayor Karen Vernon
We kicked off the year with a celebratory BBQ to mark a huge milestone: Activate Mental Health officially became a registered charity! In November 2024, the ACNC recognised us as a health promotion charity, a moment that was nine years in the making. Thanks to generous support from the Think Mental Health campaign and Neami National, our incredible volunteers were able to celebrate this achievement in style at the Victoria Park Community Centre . Mayor Karen Vernon, from the Town of Victoria Park, spoke at our event and celebrated with our volunteers.
Support from the Rotary Club of Northbridge
We were thrilled to welcome the Rotary Club of Northbridge as a supporter this year, helping us expand our events across the Perth and Northbridge precincts. With their support, we initiated a weekly walking group in October 2025, planned to continue through the lively spring and summer seasons of 2025/26.
HBF Run for a Reason
For the first time, we joined the HBF Run for a Reason as a charity. Brian, one of our volunteers, led a small team in the 12km run. Rahul was scheduled to lead a group for the 12km walk, but he unfortunately broke his arm the week before the event. Overall, we raised $547 for our cause.
Funding from the Town of Victoria Park
In August 2025, we received nearly $5,000 in funding to support two of our most popular initiatives, monthly board games nights and TED Talk Discussion Groups. This grant made it possible to offer our board games night, held on the fourth Saturday of each month, completely free for members. It also helped secure the future of our TED Talk Discussion Group, held on the second Saturday of each month, which had previously relied on in-kind support from the Victoria Park Community Centre.
Read some testimonials here to find out why these events continue to spark connection and curiosity.
Alike WA Awards Night
Activate Mental Health's participation at the Alike WA Gala, hosted at the Pan Pacific Perth, marked a highlight in our 2025 journey. We were proud to be finalists in two categories: Community Group of the Year and Peer Work Excellence, reflecting our innovative, peer-led approach to mental health support. Although we didn't win the awards, being finalists in both categories validated the impact of our efforts and the strength of our community. The evening celebrated connection, creativity, and shared purpose, which core values of Activate.
International Volunteer Day Celebration
With support from the Department of Communities, Activate Mental Health organised an African drumming workshop with Akwaaba African Drumming, Art and Craft, followed by a pizza dinner. The evening was vibrant, and all the volunteers departed feeling greatly valued.
Two Activator Intakes with Justin from MenTall
In March and October 2025, we ran two recruitment drives for New Activators. These events were facilitated by Justin Lewis, who developed this program over 2023 and 2024. Justin has been a champion of men's mental well-being, and will now be focused on his men's mental health initiative Mentall. He will always remain a friend of Activate Mental Health.
Testimonials from our members
Here's some of our favourite testimonials from 2025 from our members.
"After watching from afar for a while I finally got enough courage to go to a pub quiz. I instantly felt accepted and have made some amazing friends. Since then I have tried other types of groups but the quizzes are a firm favourite of mine. I really appreciate all that Activate has done to help me in my journey.
"I'm motivated to try out new groups every time I participate in a group activity. It's opened me up to other possibilities. I'm trying to make an effort to grow and explore other options"
"I've been introduced to a variety of new people, interests and views, AMH has expanded my circle, and I have never felt any pressure, obligation or had any concerns"
"It's not every day you can get out in the open air and meet such a unique and diverse group of people who also just want to enjoy the simple things of life and have some real conversations, and a laugh along the way. Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone is hard, but the things you could gain from it are what makes the walking group so enjoyable, and all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other!"
Testimonials from our volunteers
Here is some feedback we received from our volunteers this year:
"Volunteering with Activate Mental Health has been a highlight of my year. It’s a genuinely friendly, down-to-earth community where I’ve felt comfortable just being myself."
"It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of a movement that literally changes people's lives. I have witnessed firsthand how our members appreciate the events our amazing volunteers host, which makes a real impact on them."
“I enjoyed being part of the community and connecting people through Activate Mental Health in 2025. It has given me a lot of joy”
"With Activate, I feel that I have found a cause and a reason to Act, Belong and Commit."
"Before joining Activate Mental Health, I often felt isolated and unsure of how to manage my challenges. From the very first event, I was welcomed into a supportive community that truly understood what I was going through. The programs helped me build confidence, develop healthier coping strategies, and reconnect with my sense of purpose. I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my wellbeing my outlook is brighter, my relationships are stronger, and I feel more in control of my life. Activate Mental Health didn’t just give me tools; it gave me hope and a safe space to grow. I’m deeply grateful for the positive changes it has brought into my journey."
From our blog
Here's some interesting posts we put up on our blog throughout 2025.
The year in statistics
Our statistics are mind-boggling.
Here's how we did from January - November 2025.
Number of events held: 359 events
Number of RSVP: 2,651 RSVPs
Number of engaged Activator's (social event hosts): 48
Valuation of Activator's volunteer hours: $34,471.18
A special thanks
None of what we achieved in 2025 would have been possible without the heart and hustle of our incredible volunteers. From hosting events and facilitating groups to welcoming newcomers and sparking conversations, our Activators brought energy, empathy, and creativity to every corner of our community. You are the lifeblood of Activate Mental Health, thank you.
To our 8,000+ members, thank you for showing up, speaking up, and supporting one another. Whether you joined us for a board games night, a TED Talk discussion, a walk-and-talk, or simply connected online, your presence helped make our spaces feel safe, vibrant, and real.
We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors: Consumers of Mental Health WA, The Rotary Club of Northbridge, Blooming Minds, ABS Institute, and Mark Your Ceremony, for believing in our mission and backing us financially. Your support allowed us to grow, experiment, and reach more people than ever before.
And to the Town of Victoria Park, the Department of Communities, and Neami National, thank you for your generous grant funding. Your contributions helped us run programs that foster connection, curiosity, and community-led mental health support.
Together, we’ve built something special. Here’s to continuing the journey in 2026.
