The story of Inspire's Founder on Australian Story

Find out more about the story behind the organisation I've chosen to support.

Inspire’s founder JACK HEATH on Australian Story - Monday 30 August at 8.00pm on ABC1
Australian Story also airs online: www.abc.net.au/iview and Saturdays at 12.30pm on ABC1.

Driven by personal tragedy, Jack Heath abandoned his political ambitions, to confront a crisis affecting young lives.

Inspire's founder, Jack Heath, was a diplomat and key prime ministerial adviser. But the murder of a close friend, followed by the suicide of a young cousin, led to an emotional breaking point that forced him to confront his own repressed childhood troubles. Seeking a more meaningful life, Jack shocked his family and friends by turning his back on a promising political career to establish an innovative not-for-profit organisation that’s committed to supporting and inspiring young people, reducing youth suicide and eliminating the stigma of mental illness. This is the Inspire Foundation.

“When I look back, I’ve been through a lot of pretty traumatic times. I’ve faced demons. And in the course of that, I’ve stumbled upon what I feel now is my life purpose... helping young people face their demons and actually get to a better place.” - JACK HEATH

When Inspire’s flagship program ReachOut.com was established in 1997, Australia had one of the highest rates of youth suicide in the western world. Over the past decade, suicide among young Australians has declined significantly. This is the story of how Jack’s personal commitment to the cause helped contribute to this reversal – and his aim to replicate Australia’s success internationally.

Tune in to Australian Story on Monday night.