The Adelaide Crows Foundation and The Sebastian Foundation have achieved a significant milestone in their mission to tackle child and youth mental health, with over 20,000 South Australian children currently participating in the Open Parachute Mental Health Program.

The program is a collaboration between the Foundations, making Open Parachute accessible to South Australian students, educators and parents.

A school-based program that builds student resilience and wellbeing through evidence-based video lessons led by leading clinical psychologist Dr Hayley Watson, the program teaches practical strategies for managing stress and emotional challenges so children can overcome mental barriers throughout their lifetime. 

Over the past 24 months, the program has experienced a 340 per cent increase in participation, with numbers sky-rocketing from 4,778 students to now in excess of 21,000 from 53 schools.  

This increase has come as a result of the collaboration between Open Parachute, Crows Foundation and The Sebastian Foundations, who joined forces to subsidise costs to schools and families to access this vital resource.

Adelaide Vice Captain Reilly O’Brien is one of Open Parachute’s ambassadors, and has been pivotal in delivering the Crows Resilience Talks aspect of the partnership that were co-created with AFL players and Open Parachute founder Dr Hayley Watson.  

O’Brien received national recognition for his involvement in the program, being named the AFL’s Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award winner in 2024. 

“It’s incredible to see the program reach 20,000 participants; there is some amazing work being done in South Australian schools by the Crows Foundation and The Sebastian Foundation,” O’Brien said.  

“It’s such a great program, and something I wish I had access to when I was in school, and it’s amazing to be able to promote it and be a part of it and see kids living a happy and healthy life. 

“To be able to be involved in this role as an ambassador is such an honour, going out to schools and chatting about such an important topic is so rewarding.  

“It’s amazing to have that influence on kids and being able to give back is such a privilege of being an AFL player.” 

The achievements of the program would not be possible without the support of Open Parachute, The Sebastian Foundation, Thomas Foods International and Variety SA.

For more information on the program visit here: Open Parachute Mental Health Program - Adelaide Crows Foundation.