Tune in as David informs us of his experience in mental health, GROW Australia, and their future plans.

As we all know, adolescents are highly influenced by their peers - and healthy peer relationships are important predictors of good mental health.

However, the importance of peer relationships is not catered for in many mental health programs for young people, instead focusing on clinical intervention or online support materials.

This week’s guest David Butt has played an integral role in shining a spotlight on youth peer support, helping to bring together the needs of young people, with practical tools for problem solving and positive mental health.

David is the National CEO of GROW Australia – an intentional peer to peer support organisation Established in 1957, GROW was founded (and continues to be run) by people with lived experience and delivered by people with lived experience. GROW has drawn on its critically researched program and 60 years of experience to develop the ‘Get Growing Program’ for young people at risk of mental ill-health.

With vast experience in health care, David’s previous roles have included CEO and Commissioner, National Mental Health Commission, Deputy Secretary for the Australian Department of Health, and CEO of Australian General Practice Network, amongst many others.