Zero2hero program Camp Hero sparks Albany’s Jaxon Bennett’s passion to support youth mental wellbeing

Albany teen Jaxon Bennett is returning from Camp Hero as one of WA’s newest ambassadors for youth mental health. Camp Hero is run by the Australian youth mental health charity zero2hero, and has a mission is to empower young people aged 13 to 17 to positively manage their mental health and support others. The 15-year-old participated in Camp Hero in September, representing Albany among more than 100 emerging young leaders from across WA. The leadership camp runs for five days and teaches people how to support themselves and their peers through suicide prevention training, wellbeing education and leadership development. Jaxon said he has had challenges of his own and the camp helped to bring back his confidence, create new connections, and give him a new sense of purpose. “It ended up being life-changing for me,” he said. “I learnt new skills, met great people and felt like I belonged.” For Jaxon, it allowed him to comprehend the extent, complexity and seriousness of mental health impacts. “Mental health isn’t always obvious,” he said. “It can be really hidden. “Guys especially don’t talk about pressure or what they’re going through. Then suddenly you hear someone reached breaking point and you had no idea.” Thanks to the workshops at the camp, Jaxon now feels equipped to notice warning signs, feels comfortable having conversations about mental health and is confident to help support others safely. “I’m more confident and knowledgeable. I can be there in the right way for someone who needs it,” he said. Now having returned to Albany, Jaxon plans to mentor younger students and let people know he is open to talk to them. “Being a hero isn’t about being in the spotlight. It’s about being there when no one is watching, helping a mate link into support and letting people know struggling isn’t embarrassing,” he said. Since 2013, zero2hero has impacted more than 250,000 young people from metropolitan, regional and remote communities across the State. Zero2hero chief executive Ashlee Harrison said young leaders like Jaxon are vital in addressing WA’s youth mental health crisis. “Approximately 80 per cent of young people are turning to their friends before they turn to adults or professionals, which means equipping peer leaders like Jaxon is critical,” Ms Harrison said. “Jaxon is an outstanding example of what happens when regional youth are given opportunity — they rise, they lead, and they help change their communities.” Applications for the April 2026 Camp Hero are now open and are all fully funded and free for students to attend. For more information or to apply, visit www.zero2hero.com.au