This Guy is Cycling 18,000km Around Australia to Raise Money for Youth Mental Health Support

Starting on the 28th of April, Pauly James will begin a 18,000km solo lap cycling around Australia to raise money for Human Nature, an organisation that empowers young people through adventure-based therapy.

Why’s he doing it?

The numbers don’t lie, ill mental health is on the rise with 1 in 3 young Australians struggling with their mental health. Apart from the individual suffering, the cost to society is enormous with $43–70 billion per year in expenditure and lower economic productivity.

In his younger days Pauly experienced first-hand the heavy impact of suicide, losing two uncles and later experiencing his own mental health battles, which resulted in homelessness and hospital stays.

Through the ebbs and flows of the last 15 years, Pauly has become an adventure-seeking youth worker, counsellor, and yoga teacher, establishing a passion for helping young people thrive and triumph over adversity.

His own trips ‘from the heights of the Himalayas to the long roads of the Camino de Santiago’ have helped him realise the power of community, nature and purpose.

Listen now: The Psychologist Using Adventure Therapy To Transform At-Risk Teens

Goals of the trip

Pauly has 3 major goals for his trip cycling around Australia:

1) Raise $50,000 for Human Nature, a leading adventure therapy provider re-engaging at-risk youth in work, education, and community

2) Educate himself and others on the systemic reforms needed to better support young Australians and the growing mental health crisis

3) Inspire others to do more of what inspires them

Why Human Nature?

Through their adventure-based therapy, Human Nature empowers young people through nature, mentorship and resilience-building experiences.

The results of their programs, which are a mix of 1:1 and group sessions, speak for themselves.

Human Nature has an industry-leading participation rate with more than 95% of participants attending more than 10 sessions, with 85% of participants reporting significant improvements in mental health, confidence, and engagement with work, study, and relationships.

It’s clear after reading My Story: The Boy In Blue, that Pauly and Human Nature are a genuine match in their effort to support the well-being of vulnerable young people.

How You Can Help

Human Nature is a non-government funded organisation and relies almost entirely on donors to provide life-changing therapy. By donating you can help young people have access to tailored mental health support. Cycling around Australia like Pauly isn’t required to make a difference! 

Pauly is currently embarking on the cycling expedition entirely self-funded and will appreciate any contributions towards food, gear, or accommodation.

The rates of ill mental health are on the rise and the boy in blue is out to ‘break the cycle’.

Donate Here