ReachOut has released its inaugural Social Impact Report 2022 - 2023

28 March 2024

ReachOut has released its inaugural Social Impact Report 2022 - 2023. The comprehensive report explores ReachOut’s reach, audience engagement and the positive outcomes experienced by those who use the service.

Young people in Australia are experiencing significant challenges to their mental health and wellbeing. The proportion of mental health difficulties among people aged 16–24 has almost doubled since 2007. And suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people. 

It is vital that the support services young people turn to are effective, which is why the organisation embarked on a journey to better understand its impact. 

The report outlines ReachOut’s bespoke model for measuring social impact, which was developed in response to limited publicly available work on impact measurement that aligns to the unique and complex nature of ReachOut’s digital, non-clinical and anonymous service delivery.

Model – reach, engagement and outcomes – for the 2022–23 financial year

The report captures key results across the three dimensions of ReachOut’s Social Impact.

It demonstrates how ReachOut is reaching those who need it, how users are engaging with the support options the service offers, and how they are experiencing positive outcomes through using the products and services. 

Karen Wilcox, Director of Research and Impact at ReachOut says that measuring impact has helped embed data driven decision making in product and service strategy. 

“At ReachOut, we are dedicated to continuously improving our services so that they best respond to the mental health and wellbeing needs of young people in Australia. A deeper comprehension of our social value has allowed us to strengthen our use of impact data in decision-making, ultimately enabling us to bring about more positive change for more young people.

“Whether it is pinpointing and doubling down our focus on services that significantly impact outcomes, or discovering new opportunities, impact measurement can elevate service delivery. 

Key highlights 

• 76% of ReachOut’s Online Community users ‘felt less alone’

• 73% of PeerChat users say it makes them ‘feel better’

• 70% of ReachOut.com/Parents users reported RO helped them feel ‘ready to try something new’ to support their teen

• 50% of young people told us they tried self-help strategies after using our services 

Check out the full report here.