PAYCE Foundation helping young people overcome adversity

Youth mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing our society.

That’s why the PAYCE Foundation is expanding its support to one of the most effective programs in this field – Stand Tall.

The Stand Tall Event was founded in 2012 in response to the tragic level of drug use, depression, bullying, hopelessness and self-harm among high school students.

The sold out, TEDx-style event is back at the Aware Super Theatre, the International Convention Centre in Sydney on June 8.

The event for secondary students brings a host of speakers together to arm them with the skills of resilience, the strength to stand up to bullying, the keys to motivation, the power of perspective and the benefits of making wise decisions.

Alex is one of Stand Tall’s Ambassadors and continues to share his story of resilience and perseverance, whilst including others in his journey.

The PAYCE Foundation has extended its support for Stand Tall, funding another Stand Tall Ambassador, Alex Noble.

In 2018, just 16 years old, Alex was badly injured while at a rugby union training session, breaking his neck and severely damaging his spinal cord.

He was not expected to walk or have any use of his limbs.

However, showing great grit and determination he pushed through a long rehabilitation.

Since then, Alex has hit major physical and mental milestones returning to school to complete his HSC and attending music festivals.

He’s also built strength and control of his arms to be able to brush his teeth, utilise a computer, feed himself, and perform quicker and stronger transfers into his bed and wheelchair.

When not training or enjoying extreme experiences, he is also inspiring thousands of young people to overcome the hurdles they face in life.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said: “Alex is a great addition to the Stand Tall team – his story is truly inspirational.”

“He has faced the ultimate adversity as a young person; he has not only met the challenge but shown the way for so many other young people.

“The Stand Tall Event is a unique forum which gives young people a better understanding of how to face the challenges they face on a daily basis and live a full and happy life.”

“Due to unprecedented demand, registrations for this year’s live event are now sold out but registrations for the free live stream are still available via the Stand Tall website.

The replay will be available for 3 months after the event or the highlights on demand via 7 plus.  In 2022 the live stream replay was viewed by over 100,000 students across Australia.”