From left to right: Dr Chris Read (MHA Operations Coordinator), Simon Clarke (MHA Director), Pedro Gondim (MHA CEO), Dr Katrina Lines (Act for Kids CEO) and The Hon. Doctor David Hamill (Act for Kids Chairman).
This year marks a significant milestone with more than one million dollars raised by the incredible team at the Mental Health Academy for Australian children who have experienced trauma.
Mental Health Academy’s CEO, Pedro Gondim, became a proud Act for Kids Ambassador and Children’s Champion in 2017, however his team at Mental Health Academy have also been supporting the organisation since 2015, through the annual Mental Health Super Summit.
Pedro, Simon Clarke (MHA’s Director), and the team at Mental Health Academy have been tirelessly raising money for Act for Kids every year through the Super Summit, which connect leading mental health experts with allied health practitioners, and students.
“We had a pretty unique idea and some lofty goals (such as raising $1M within 10 years). The team at Act for Kids were enthusiastic, supportive, and have been a pleasure to work with since our first conversation,” he said.
“Supporting children to thrive is one of the most important things any society can do. If you think about the potential for positive impact, choosing to support Act for Kids was one of the easiest decisions we’ve ever made.”
The impact of the event has been life changing for thousands of children.
Over the past 8 years, the Mental Health Super Summit has raised a staggering $1.066 Million for Act for Kids. This has resulted in nearly 7,000 therapy sessions for children and families who have experienced or at are-risk of trauma, such as abuse or neglect.
Act for Kids CEO, Dr Katrina Lines, said this was a huge achievement that should be celebrated.
“That’s 1 year of vital therapy for nearly 280 children. It’s life changing and would not have happened without the Super Summit, Pedro, Simon and the extended team’s unwavering support.”
The Super Summit doesn’t just raise vital funds, it also supports the professional development of allied health practitioners, including some of the Act for Kids team who have benefited greatly from the content each year. The Summit wouldn’t happen without the many experts (from all over the world) who generously contributed their time and expertise.
“A massive thank you to the entire Mental Health Academy team for their devotion to Act for Kids. We simply cannot do the work we do without the support of people like you,” Dr Lines said.
Pedro says he is thrilled to be able to continue supporting causes that they are passionate about, especially Act for Kids.
“Knowing that our work with Act for Kids has impacted the lives of thousands of children over the years is incredibly meaningful,” he said.
On behalf of the entire team and the children we support, thank you to Pedro and the team at the Mental Health Academy for everything you do for Act for Kids.
To learn more about Mental Health Academy, visit www.mentalhealthacademy.com.au.