Our Program Areas
Mental Health & Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Awareness
African Youth Collective is committed to promoting positive mental health and preventing harm related to alcohol and other drugs. Through culturally safe, trauma-informed, and community-led approaches, we support African and African-Australian young people and families to build resilience, make healthy choices, and access the right support when needed.
Mental Health Awareness and Education
We provide mental health education that increases awareness, reduces stigma, and encourages open conversations within families and communities. Our programs equip young people with knowledge, coping strategies, and tools to support their emotional wellbeing and recognise when to seek help.
Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Prevention
Our AOD awareness programs focus on prevention, early intervention, and harm reduction. We educate young people about the risks associated with alcohol and other drugs while promoting healthy alternatives, positive peer influence, and informed decision-making.
B-MAD – Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol & Drugs
All of our wellbeing programs are delivered through B-MAD, the umbrella framework of African Youth Collective. B-MAD integrates mental health support, AOD education, physical activity, culture, and community connection to address the root causes of harm and support long-term wellbeing.
Safe Spaces and Supportive Conversations
We create safe, trusted spaces where young people can speak openly about their experiences without judgement. Through group discussions, workshops, and one-on-one support, participants are encouraged to share, learn, and grow in supportive environments.
Pathways to Support and Recovery
African Youth Collective works closely with families, community services, and professional providers to connect individuals with appropriate mental health and AOD support services. We assist with referrals and ongoing encouragement to ensure young people and families are not navigating challenges alone.
Sports & Physical Wellbeing
African Youth Collective recognises sport and physical activity as powerful tools for improving health, building confidence, and strengthening community connections. Our Sports & Physical Wellbeing programs create safe, inclusive, and positive spaces where young people can stay active, develop life skills, and build a strong sense of belonging.
Active Lifestyles and Healthy Habits
We promote active lifestyles by providing regular opportunities for young people to participate in sports and physical activities. Our programs encourage healthy routines, physical fitness, and positive habits that support long-term wellbeing.
Teamwork, Discipline, and Confidence
Through team sports and group activities, participants develop essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, communication, and leadership. Sport helps young people build self-confidence, manage emotions, and develop resilience both on and off the field.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Sport
Physical activity plays an important role in mental health. Our programs support emotional wellbeing by reducing stress, improving mood, and creating positive outlets for energy. Sport is used as a preventative and early intervention approach aligned with our B-MAD (Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol & Drugs) framework.
Inclusive and Culturally Safe Programs
African Youth Collective ensures all sports and physical wellbeing programs are inclusive, culturally safe, and accessible. We welcome young people of all abilities and backgrounds, creating environments where everyone feels respected, supported, and encouraged.
Community Connection and Positive Pathways
Our sports programs strengthen community ties by bringing together young people, families, coaches, and mentors. Through partnerships and community engagement, we create positive pathways that support healthy lifestyles, leadership development, and long-term success.
Education & Mentorship
African Youth Collective believes that education and mentorship are key to empowering young people and creating positive, lasting change. Our Education & Mentorship programs support African and African-Australian young people to build confidence, develop skills, and achieve their personal, educational, and career goals.
Academic Support and Learning Pathways
We provide educational support programs that help young people succeed at school and beyond. This includes homework support, tutoring, study guidance, and access to learning resources. By creating safe and supportive learning environments, we encourage young people to stay engaged in education and reach their full potential.
Mentorship and Positive Role Models
Our mentorship programs connect young people with trusted mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and support. Mentors act as positive role models, helping young people navigate challenges, build self-esteem, and make informed decisions about their future.
Life Skills and Leadership Development
Education goes beyond the classroom. African Youth Collective supports young people to develop essential life skills, including communication, goal setting, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills help young people build independence, resilience, and confidence in all areas of life.
Career Guidance and Pathways
We support young people to explore career options, training pathways, and employment opportunities. Through workshops, mentoring, and community connections, we help participants plan for further education, vocational training, and meaningful employment.
Supporting Wellbeing Through Education
Our Education & Mentorship programs are delivered through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. By supporting learning and personal development, we contribute to positive mental health, healthy decision-making, and long-term wellbeing.
Creative & Cultural Programs
Cultural Expression and Identity
We create opportunities for young people to connect with their cultural roots through music, dance, storytelling, art, and traditional practices. These activities support positive identity development, confidence, and intergenerational connection within families and communities.
Creative Arts and Talent Development
African Youth Collective supports young people to explore and develop their creative talents through visual arts, music production, performance, fashion, and design. Our programs encourage self-expression, emotional wellbeing, and creative pathways for future education and employment.
Community Events and Celebrations
We host cultural events, festivals, and community celebrations that bring families together and showcase the diversity and richness of African cultures. These events strengthen community bonds, promote cross-cultural understanding, and create spaces of joy, unity, and shared pride.
Healing Through Culture and Creativity
Creativity and culture play an important role in mental wellbeing. Our programs provide trauma-informed, culturally safe environments where young people can express emotions, process experiences, and build resilience through creative and cultural engagement.
Building Belonging and Leadership
By engaging young people in creative and cultural leadership opportunities, African Youth Collective nurtures confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. Participants are encouraged to take active roles in shaping programs and events, empowering them to become positive leaders within their communities.
Community & Family Engagement
African Youth Collective is committed to strengthening families and building connected, resilient communities. We provide practical, culturally responsive support that meets the everyday needs of African and African-Australian families, ensuring no one is left behind.
Supporting Families Through Food Security
We support community members experiencing hardship through our food bank initiatives. By providing access to essential food supplies, we help reduce financial stress and promote stability and wellbeing within households.
Education and Homework Support
Education is a foundation for long-term success. African Youth Collective runs homework support programs for children and young people, creating safe and supportive learning environments. We also provide essential school supplies, including exercise books, pens, pencils, rubbers, and other learning materials, so every child can participate confidently in their education.
Supporting Mothers and Caregivers
We work closely with mothers and caregivers to help them navigate complex systems and services. Our support includes assistance with Centrelink communication, translations, understanding official documents, and completing forms. We also connect families with trusted legal support through qualified lawyers when legal guidance is needed.
Building Stronger Communities
By addressing food security, education, and access to services, African Youth Collective strengthens families and empowers communities. Our approach is grounded in care, dignity, and cultural understanding, creating pathways for families to feel supported, informed, and connected.
Why B-MAD Matters
B-MAD (Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol & Drugs) matters because it addresses the real challenges facing young people, families, and communities in a holistic and culturally responsive way. Mental health, alcohol and other drugs, physical wellbeing, education, culture, and community connection are deeply linked, and lasting change happens when they are addressed together.
Addressing Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms
B-MAD goes beyond crisis response. It focuses on early intervention, prevention, and long-term wellbeing by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to mental health challenges and AOD harm, including trauma, disconnection, social isolation, and lack of access to support.
Culturally Safe and Community-Led
B-MAD is grounded in cultural understanding and lived experience. Programs are designed and delivered in ways that respect identity, family structures, and community values, creating safe spaces where young people and families feel understood and supported.
Supporting the Whole Person
Rather than focusing on one issue at a time, B-MAD supports the whole person. By integrating mental health awareness, AOD education, sport, education, creativity, and family engagement, young people are supported to build resilience, confidence, and positive life pathways.
Strengthening Families and Communities
B-MAD recognises that strong families and connected communities are key to positive outcomes for young people. By engaging parents, caregivers, and community leaders, the framework strengthens support networks and promotes shared responsibility for wellbeing.
Creating Positive Futures
Through B-MAD, African Youth Collective empowers young people to make healthy choices, access support early, and develop the skills needed to lead safe, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. This approach helps reduce harm, prevent disengagement, and build safer, thriving communities.