In a bold move to support youth mental health, Australian not-for-profit organisation One Vision Productions is set to launch MPOWER PRO, a groundbreaking mobile app designed to empower young people aged 13 to 18+.
The app combines technology, cultural connection and mentorship to create a transformative platform for wellbeing.
MPOWER PRO draws on the lived experiences of its creators, insights from First Nations communities, and mentorship from high-profile figures such as Chris Hemsworth, Eso from Bliss n Eso, and L-Fresh the Lion.
The powerful combination shapes the app's unique approach, which emphasises self-expression, cultural identity, and positive behavioural change.
One Vision Productions (OVP), founding director, Mark Robertson, created the app after overcoming his own challenges and working extensively in youth mental health.
"Our app thoughtfully blends lived experience with culturally aware frameworks and engaging features like a rap recorder, goal-setting tools, and hundreds of self-development videos from renowned icons," Mr Robertson said.
"It's time to rethink our approach in this industry and create an environment where young people feel excited and empowered to engage."
The app offers an impressive range of features tailored to support young people. Its resources include mental health support tools, fitness challenges, and gamified wellbeing tasks.
The pocket recording studio invites users to creatively express themselves through music, promoting emotional regulation and a sense of belonging.
These features are particularly significant for youth in regional areas where access to mental health services can be limited.
The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF) has provided crucial funding to support MPOWER PRO's first year of operations and make it accessible to Indigenous youth and at-risk individuals through 400 scholarships.
NPCF, chief distribution officer, Paul Juergens, highlighted the crucial role of technology in engaging young people, emphasising the need for mental health tools that are both relevant and accessible.
He noted the initiative aligns with NPCF's mission to empower communities and support vulnerable individuals.
"Technology plays such a huge part in the lives of young people, so it's important to provide mental health and wellbeing tools in a way that is relevant and accessible to them," Mr Juergens said.
"This initiative aligns with our mission to empower communities and support vulnerable individuals, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this innovative approach."
The app was launched last week at the Byron Bay Community Centre, with a panel bringing together inspiring voices as they explored the intersection of arts and mental health.
At the launch Byron Shire Council mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, discussed the importance of local government support for mental health initiatives, while psychologist and founder of Mudita Holistic Collective, Jane Enter, shared her perspective on the link between emotional wellbeing and self-expression.
Filmmaker Damon Gameau, best known for That Sugar Film, explored how storytelling can foster resilience, and Andy Hamilton from Human Nature Adventure Therapy reflected on how outdoor activities can complement mental health support for young people.
MPOWER PRO is now available for download on major app platforms, offering both free and subscription-based versions.
With the support of NPCF, hundreds of Indigenous youth and at-risk young people will have access to the app's full suite of features, ensuring they can benefit from its innovative approach to mental health support.
For more information about MPOWER PRO and One Vision Productions is available online.
