Grammy-nominated artist The Kid LAROI, whose real name is Charlton Howard, has officially launched the LAROI Foundation, a new initiative focused on supporting youth mental health. The foundation has partnered with the national mental health service, headspace, as a founding partner, with the mission to empower young people to pursue their dreams and positively impact their lives, regardless of their circumstances.
A Personal Commitment to Giving Back
Born and raised in Sydney, LAROI emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that supported him during his own upbringing. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had to build his confidence through music and highlighted the significance of providing young people with spaces where they can share their voices and seek help during difficult times.
“Spaces like headspace, where you can go and talk to someone on those days you’re not feeling great, make a huge difference,” said LAROI, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to mental health support for youth.
A Creative Collaboration for Mental Health Awareness
To commemorate the launch of the LAROI Foundation, LAROI invited four creatives from a national call-out to design a limited edition t-shirt that embodies themes of community, self-care, and positivity. The artists selected for the collaboration include Jay Van Nus, a proud Bibbulmun Noongar and Chilean transgender artist, and Siena Bhuiyan, an Anaiwan and Bengali woman. These artists translated the themes of the foundation into the t-shirt artwork, which will be sold online and at LAROI’s concerts during his The First Time tour.
Funds raised from the sales will go towards supporting headspace’s mental health initiatives, both online and at over 160 centers across Australia. These funds will also support their work in schools and universities, helping to ensure that young people have access to the resources they need.
Strengthening the Youth Mental Health Support System
Jason Trethowan, CEO of headspace, expressed pride in partnering with the LAROI Foundation, noting that both organizations are deeply committed to supporting young people’s mental health. “Through his music, The Kid LAROI has built a connection with so many young people that headspace is also proud to support during tough times,” said Trethowan. He emphasized that creativity and open conversations are vital components of maintaining good mental health, making the collaboration between the two entities an important step in raising awareness and providing support.
Looking Ahead: Future Collaborations and Projects
Shannon Dunn, Director of The LAROI Foundation, revealed that the foundation is already exploring future collaborations with headspace. They are working on a range of music and arts projects designed to offer young people more opportunities to develop and showcase their talents. The goal is to create an environment that encourages connection and removes the stigma surrounding the need for mental health support.
“We’re dreaming up a range of music and arts projects that will give young people more opportunities to develop and share their talents,” said Dunn. The partnership aims to help young people feel supported, and inspire them to seek help when needed, while also promoting mental health awareness through creativity.
The LAROI Foundation’s work marks a meaningful step forward in supporting youth mental health and fostering a positive, inclusive community for young people across Australia and beyond.
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