Building Stronger Communities Through the B-MAD Framework
Stronger Minds. Healthier Choices. Connected Communities.
African Youth Collective Inc. is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation founded in Melbourne, Victoria, by members of the African Australian community. Through the B-MAD Framework — Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs — we deliver holistic, culturally responsive programs that address the social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of African Australian young people.
Why Fund AYC
Investing in African Youth is Investing in Australia
African Australian young people face disproportionate barriers to mental health support, employment, and social inclusion. AYC bridges that gap with culturally grounded, evidence-informed programs that work.
Culturally Safe AOD & Mental Health
Our B-MAD Framework delivers AOD prevention and mental health support in a culturally informed way — reaching young people that mainstream services miss.
Community-Led, Community-Trusted
Founded and run by African Australians, AYC has the trust of the community. Our programs achieve engagement rates that external services cannot replicate.
Measurable Social Impact
From reduced AOD risk factors to improved school attendance and employment pathways — our programs create lasting, measurable change in young lives.
Who We Are
An Australia where every young person of African heritage can thrive
AYC was founded on the belief that every young person, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to thrive. We create pathways for youth leadership, wellbeing, education, employment, and civic participation — grounded in the lived experience and cultural knowledge of African Australian communities.
The B-MAD Framework — Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs — is our holistic wellbeing and community engagement model. It recognises that youth wellbeing requires an integrated approach that goes beyond crisis response to build resilience, connection, capability, and opportunity across all aspects of a young person's life.
What We Offer
Programs built around connection
B-MAD Framework — Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs
B-MAD Prevention
Our flagship framework addressing Belonging, Meaning, Achievement and Direction — the foundations of mental wellbeing for African youth.
Mental Health First Aid
Culturally adapted Mental Health First Aid training delivered within the African community context, building local capacity to respond.
NDIS Support
Registered NDIS support services delivered in partnership with Mulusew Pty Ltd, providing culturally safe disability support for participants.
AOD Programs
Community-based alcohol and other drug prevention and early intervention programs embedded within our recreation and social programs.
Our Framework
The B-MAD Framework
B-MAD stands for Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs — a holistic, prevention-first model that addresses the root causes of AOD misuse and poor mental health through community connection, culture, and belonging.
Beyond
Going beyond crisis response — addressing root causes through community, culture, and prevention.
Mental Health
Supporting emotional and psychological wellbeing through culturally safe programs and early intervention.
Alcohol
Preventing alcohol misuse by building protective factors — belonging, purpose, and positive identity.
Drugs
Reducing drug-related harm through community-led education and meaningful alternatives for young people.
B-MAD · Sports & Recreation
Connection is the Foundation of Wellbeing
Before many young people need clinical intervention, they need connection — to family, culture, community and purpose. Our weekly sports and recreation programs create the conditions for young people to thrive.
Foods for Thought
Sharing Food. Building Community.
Food is one of the most powerful ways to build trust, reduce isolation, and celebrate culture. Our Foods for Thought programs bring African youth and families together every week through shared meals, community BBQs, and culturally affirming food traditions.
Community transport & logistics
Keeping our community connected
Mr Abas supports African Youth Collective as our bus driver and transport logistics team member, helping people, programs and community activities get where they need to be.
Mr Abas — Bus Driver & Transport Logistics
AYC Family Connect
Bringing Families Together
Strong families build strong communities. AYC Family Connect creates safe, joyful spaces where African families can come together — through games, shared activities, and the kind of connection that keeps young people grounded and supported at home.
Our Branches
Specialised Programs for Every Community
AYC's branches address specific community needs — from disability inclusion to women's empowerment and youth arts.
Africa Australia Albinism Awareness
AAAA
Supporting young people living with albinism through advocacy, community awareness and culturally safe inclusion programs.
Learn More
Women & Girls Empowerment
Sisters by Roots
A dedicated program for African women and girls — building sisterhood, leadership and resilience through culture and community.
Learn More
Music, Arts & Entertainment
The Viibe Family
Harnessing the power of music and creative arts as a pathway to wellbeing, expression and positive identity for African youth.
Learn MoreVolunteer
Give your time and skills to support African youth in your community.
Student Placements
Complete your professional placement with a leading community organisation.
Donate
Your support funds vital AOD and mental health services for African youth.
Funders & Partners
Partner with AYC to create real change
We welcome partnerships with government agencies, philanthropic foundations, corporates, and community organisations who share our commitment to African Australian youth wellbeing.
Get in Touch
Contact us
Be seen. Be heard. Be empowered.
Whether you're seeking support, looking to refer a young person, or want to get involved — we'd love to hear from you. Our team is here to help.
Crisis Support
If you or someone you know needs immediate mental health support: