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Nicole Gibson, the founder of The Rogue & Rouge Foundation and the youngest Australian to be appointed to the National Mental Health Commission, is proof that millennials are so much more than the stereotypes.
Likewise, this message of being 'so much more' is at the core of her next series of mental wellness, support and education programs for high schools titled What's The Point, launched today at Benowa High and Arcadia College.
The program is tailored specifically to individual schools, kicking off yesterday at Arcadia College and running for five weeks, and nine weeks from today at Benowa High.
The launch comes as Gibson this week stepped up to being a Supre role model, as part of the brand's website relaunch.
Gibson may shy away from labels, but putting a label on her latest program came all too naturally.
"In 2013 we travelled to 250 schools nationwide and heard the question 'What's the Point?' being asked over and over again," says Gibson.
"We believe that it's up to the individual to pave their own path and connect to their own point or purpose and it is a significant and often daunting internal journey so this program covers topics such as belief systems, self-talk, attitude and identity.
"Our mission is that every young person will understand their true potential and break through limited belief systems to pursue their dreams and develop an individual purpose in life."
Rogue & Rouge will utilise surveys at the onset, midway point and completion of the program as well as six months after delivery to compile quantitative and qualitative data on the effectiveness and results of school communities and individuals.
"We also collate video testimonials and written stories which greatly enhance our ability to provide thorough evaluation," Gibson says.
Gibson has been a foot soldier for her cause for many years.
Her drive accelerated when she took part in the Sun Super Champions for Change campaign in 2014, when she facilitated over 1000 workshops in more than 250 schools across Australia with the aim of helping young people understand the importance of self-expression.
She believes good leaders only emerge in climates of authenticity, and oftentimes, they are born from struggle and vulnerability.
This proactive approach to mental health has helped Gibson cut through more than 300 communities and reach 70,000 children since starting the organisation in 2010, and she ensures there are still leaps to be made.
"We need to support our youth and back up their ideas by working with them in these core areas of personal competency," she says.
"The more money spent on mental health correlates to rising incidences so it's pretty clear what has been done in the past is not working and we believe strongly these programs will go a long way to preventing young people go down the path of mental ill health."
Pictured: Nicole Gibson (second from left) with students Ashleigh Furnell, Shannon Love and Katie Amos
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