Bungee Youth Resilience Program
Creativity as a Path to Wellbeing
The Bungee Youth Resilience Program, supported by the ACT Health and Community Services, uses the arts to strengthen children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Designed for children and young people attending school in the ACT, Bungee provides a safe, creative space where young people can build resilience, express emotions and feel connected. This matters because it not only helps children and young people manage challenges today, but also builds lifelong skills for confidence, self-expression and belonging.
Building Resilience Through Creativity
In 2024–25, 386 young people took part in Bungee. Across schools and community settings, participants used art to explore emotions, develop friendships, and discover strategies to cope with challenges. For many, this meant feeling more confident and knowing who they could turn to when life felt difficult.
The results speak strongly: 93% of participants said Bungee helped them feel more confident, while 86% found ways to calm themselves, and 84% said it helped them make friends.
Parents and teachers also see the difference:
“His confidence and love of art has grown significantly. He now regularly uses art as a strategy to regulate and communicate his emotions,” shared one parent.
For children, the impact is felt in simple but powerful ways:
“I liked doing the art and making friends and talking about emotions… being with my friends.”
87%
said Bungee helped
them express emotions
86%
found new ways to feel calm
84%
said Bungee helped
them make friends
93%
said they now know who
to go to with problems
91%
felt more confident and
believed in themselves
89%
learned strategies to cope when things go wrong
Bungee at a Glance 2024–25
386
young people engaged across
schools and community.
38
arts groups in
25 schools (304 sessions).
6
community
groups (96 sessions).
85
hours of individual counselling.
2
exhibitions showcasing young people’s artwork.
3
“Tuning Into Teens” parenting programs.
Case Studies
Max’s Story: Exploring Emotions and Kindness
Through Bungee, Max discovered how kindness and creativity can turn frustration into understanding. His artwork – and his first public speech – became powerful steps in building confidence, purpose and emotional wellbeing.
Creating Belonging Through Art
A group of spirited ten– and eleven -year-old girls discovered the power of friendship through Bungee. With art as their guide, they built stronger connections, empathy and a sense of belonging.
Explore More of Our Impact
Each part of our work is connected. Explore more stories, programs and results from across the Annual Report.