In Western Australia, a powerful movement is being driven not by seasoned professionals, but by teenagers themselves. A group of dedicated young West Australians is leading a quiet revolution in mental health support and suicide prevention through their organisation, Zero2Hero.
The Genesis of a Youth-Led Movement
The story of Zero2Hero is one born from personal tragedy and a fierce determination to make a difference. The organisation was founded by Ashlee Harrison, who was just 16 years old when she lost her father to suicide. Rather than be paralysed by grief, Ashlee channelled her experience into action. She recognised a critical gap in support for young people facing similar struggles and set out to fill it.
Today, Zero2Hero operates with a simple yet profound mission: to empower young people with the skills and knowledge to look after their own mental health and to support their peers. The core of their work lies in the H.E.R.O. (Help, Empathy, Resilience, Outreach) peer-to-peer workshop program. These workshops are not delivered by adult clinicians, but by trained young facilitators aged 15 to 25.
Empowering Peers to Become Lifelines
The H.E.R.O. program is a free, evidence-based initiative that equips participants with practical tools. Over the course of the workshops, young people learn to identify signs of mental distress in themselves and others, develop empathetic communication skills, and understand how to safely connect a struggling friend with professional help. The curriculum covers vital topics including anxiety, depression, and the complexities of suicide prevention.
Since its inception, Zero2Hero has trained over 15,000 young people across Western Australia. The impact is tangible. Participants report feeling more confident to have difficult conversations, a stronger sense of connection, and a reduced stigma around seeking help. The model works because it leverages the most trusted source for a teenager: another teenager.
"Young people are more likely to talk to their friends first," explains a Zero2Hero youth facilitator. "We're not trying to be counsellors. We're trying to be that bridge, to know what to say and where to go to get proper help."
Building a Sustainable Future for Youth Mental Health
The success of Zero2Hero has not gone unnoticed. The organisation has garnered significant support, including crucial funding from the WA government's Youth Mental Health Suicide Prevention Initiative. This backing has allowed them to expand their reach and solidify their programs.
Looking ahead, the ambitions of these WA teens are far from small. They aim to integrate their H.E.R.O. program into every high school in Western Australia, creating a statewide network of informed and compassionate young people. Their vision is a future where no young person feels alone in their struggle, and where every peer has the basic skills to offer support.
The journey of Zero2Hero underscores a vital shift in addressing the youth mental health crisis. It proves that solutions can be most effective when they are designed and delivered by the very people they aim to serve. By trusting young people with knowledge and responsibility, Zero2Hero is not just preventing tragedy; it is fostering a generation of resilient, empathetic, and proactive leaders.
