WHO WE ARE
SOPHIE HENSON
FOUNDER/CEO & CHIEF HOPE OFFICER
TBH, I wear a lot of hats... Florist, Photographer, gardener, Muma, Doggie owner, Daughter, Sister and a friend... but by far the most rewarding role (other than muma) is helping young people and their families navigate their way through the shit show that is the current mental health system. It's a tough gig and at times exhausting but I'm here and I'm doing it and I'm not going anywhere xxx
AMANDA KELLER
OAM AMBASSADOR
Amanda Keller is a highly respected Australian media personality known for her work in television, radio, podcasting, journalism, comedy, and acting. Co-hosting the award-winning Jonesy & Amanda radio show and The Living Room, she is celebrated for her authenticity and humor. A passionate advocate for youth wellbeing, Amanda promotes open discussions on mental health and serves as a compassionate ambassador for the Please Stay Foundation, spreading hope across Australia.
DIANE WILLIAMS HARAPIN OAM ADVISORY CHAIRPERSON
Di is an experienced CEO with a solid background in the not-for-profit sector, specializing in medicine, child advocacy, and community services. She excels in governance, compliance, policy, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and leadership. After transitioning to family caregiving, Di developed a renewed perspective on making a lasting impact and is passionate about supporting children and families. As a dedicated PSF volunteer, she proudly contributes to protecting children and strengthening families.
MARY BLANKEVOORT
EDUCATOR & TRAINER
Mary is an entrepreneur, trainer, and mental health who co-founded Metro Training in 2009, focusing on first, health and safety, and compliance consulting for various sectors. With a UNSW degree in Industrial Relations and Political Science, she has over 20 years of experience in training and development. A mother of two neurodivergent young adults, Mary’s late ADHD diagnosis inspired her to create inclusive spaces for learning. As a Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor with the Please Stay Foundation, she equips others to support young people in crisis.
ARLEA WHELAN
YOUTH AMBASSADOR
Arlea is an author, award-winning playwright, and mental health advocate focused on improving Australia's mental health system. Drawing from her own experiences, she aims to break stigma and inspire hope among young people. After a challenging mental health journey beginning at 16, she now shares her story to show that recovery is possible. With two published books and a degree in Creative Writing, Arlea also conducts workshops for underprivileged youth and serves as Youth for the Please Stay Foundation, changing the conversation around mental health through her advocacy and creativity.
OUR BOARD
MELINDA MADIGAN
Board Director
(Non-Executive)
Marketing and
Strategy
PENNY KALETA
Board Director
(Non-Executive)
Corporate/Media
Partnerships
DAYLE LUMMIS
Board Director
(Non-Executive)
Grants /Fundraising & Strategy
MEAGAN KENNEDY
Board Director
(Non-Executive)
Website & Tech
Support Fundraising
STEPHEN DIGBY
Board Advisor
(Non-Executitve)
Community Engagement & Legal Advisor
SOPHIE'S
STORY
Four years ago, I saved my daughter's life. It took unimaginable strength, countless tears, and a complete change of our lives, but she stayed.
Our family spent years navigating the youth mental health system through suicide attempts, hospital admissions, school changes, and the constant fear of losing her. We were fortunate—many families are not.
Throughout that journey, I often wished for someone who truly understood. A parent with lived experience. A compassionate ear. A moment of hope. I believe that kind of support can change lives.
Today, too many families face barriers to accessing timely mental health care, while holistic supports and meaningful experiences that can aid recovery remain out of reach. Sometimes it's a break from everyday pressures, a special experience, or simply feeling seen and valued that makes all the difference.
I couldn't stand by and watch the youth mental health crisis grow without taking action. That's why I'm committed to helping young people and their families find hope, connection, and the support they deserve.
Together, we can make a difference.
OUR SUCCESS STORIES
MOLLY, 18 yrs
Holly has been with the PSF family for six months. When their mum came to us she was at her wits end and didn’t know where to turn. The hospital wouldn’t admit her again as she was “untreatable” and they could no longer help her.
Holly was diagnosed with treatment resistant depression and anxiety, PTSD and chronic suicide ideation. She had three hospital admissions in 2022 and severe school refusal.
With our support and guidance we’ve helped her turn a corner – a very sharp corner, and very quickly!
We secured a place for Holly to attend Rufftrack in the Hawkesbury area, and it’s changed her life. She’s found her tribe and gets to spend all day with her working dog family. She won the “Stepping Up” award at her graduation in 2022 and she’ll be returning there this year. It’s not government funded so she needs our help.
ARLEA, 23 YEARS
We’ve been supporting Arlea and her family of five for 4 years. She was in a very dangerous place when she came to us, with three suicide attempts in two weeks and her self harm, intrusive thoughts and OCD taking over her life.
She went to see a kinesiologist, had hair, DNA and urine analysis done which alerted us to a number of significant deficiencies. Once these had been treated, the difference was amazing.
We then organised private mentoring sessions with a published poet to encourage her poetry writing. She has blossomed into a happy, social and confident young lady. With her new-found strength and courage she wants to help others who are struggling as she did. Oh, and one of Arlea’s incredible poems has been published in a collab book - just saying!
She now wants to walk the Camino Trail in Spain!
CLAIRE, 21 YEARS
We’ve been supporting Claire for the last 12 months, she’s received scar reduction treatment to her self harm injuries, mentoring and continued support from us with her studies at National Art School in Sydney. Claire wanted to do something nice for her Mum for her birthday so we sent them for a fun day at the hair salon to lift their spirits, “we can’t stop looking at ourselves in the mirror” was our feedback! Prior to engaging with us, she was refusing school, self harming and had attempted suicide. With our support and encouragement we’ve helped her gain confidence again, enough confidence to be on a trip in India with her grandpa… for a young person who could barely leave the house this is a miracle.