Top Blokes Foundation: Building foundations for regional young men

Organisation:

Top Blokes Foundation

Amount:

$282,041

Project:

Improving the mental health and wellbeing of young men and boys in schools in Toowoomba
Year of grant:

2021-2023

For the past two years JVT has supported the Top Blokes Foundation (TBF) to help young country Queenslanders to thrive.

November 2023

The program has been running in the Toowoomba region, helping young men develop resilience, empathy and
respect for self and others, and ultimately helping reduce the rates of mental health issues, suicide, and anti-social and risk-taking behaviours.

TBF’s aim was to positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of over 550 young males in the region through the delivery of 48 programs across eight schools, with a minimum of 6,000 hours of mentoring, over the first three years of the program.

Incredibly, TBF are already exceeding their goals. By working with local schools and community leaders, the Top Blokes program has now been delivered in every public high school in Toowoomba and surrounding areas. In 2023 alone, TBF Toowoomba will deliver 23 programs impacting 276 vulnerable and at-risk young men through
4,368 hours of mentoring in Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Pittsworth and Milmerran.

But the support does not end when boys complete the program. TBF’s Graduate Club in Toowoomba allows program graduates to continue to engage with TBF post programming. The Supporters Program also takes the conversation from the Top Blokes in-school workshops to a young man’s home environment or adult support network.

Supporting young country Queenslanders to thrive is a key focus for JVT. Working closely with the community
on early intervention is critically important to ensure young men have strong mental health foundations. It’s
also key to making the program sustainable in the long term.

JVC’s grant was designed to support Top Blokes to work with the local community to build the capacity to introduce and maintain their programs. That aim is also being achieved. Since launching in Toowoomba, TBF has received $123,000 in school co-payments, and raised $138,000 in additional funding through community fundraising, major donors, and corporate and philanthropic grants. It’s a great sign of local commitment for the long-term benefit of boys and young men in Toowoomba and surrounds.

Read more about JVT and the Top Blokes Foundation

Changing lives

Participants from both primary and secondary schools appreciate how the Top Blokes program has changed their relationships with themselves, their mental health, and those around them…

“Top blokes helped me with my emotions.”
“Top Blokes has helped me build a healthy mindset and know where to go for support.”
“Top Blokes has taught me how to have good relationships with other people.”
“Top Blokes has helped me enjoy school more.”
“Top Blokes has helped me be more calm and has made me more confident.”
“Top Blokes has taught me that everyone can be a better person.”