🎯 Purpose of Your Video
Your personal story is powerful. By sharing your experience, you help shine a light on the urgent need for better support for children’s mental health and wellbeing and to help show the real humans behind the statistics.
🗣️ Who Can Share a Story?
Parents, carers, and grandparents
Teachers, healthcare workers, youth workers, social workers
Concerned citizens who care about the wellbeing of children and want a better future
People who struggled as kids and know the importance of early support
🎬 Suggested Video Length:
60–90 seconds – Keep it short, clear, and heartfelt.
💡 Prompt – Tell us about...
Choose 1–2 of the following prompts to guide your story:
For Parents, Carers or Grandparents:
What has your child’s (or grandchild’s) mental health journey been like?
What challenges have you faced accessing support for them?
What impact has this had on your family?
What changes do you want to see from politicians?
For Concerned Citizens (e.g. teachers, health workers, etc.):
What do you see happening for the kids in your community/classroom/practice?
What barriers do children face in accessing mental health support?
Why do you believe early intervention matters?
What do you want political leaders to do?
For Adults Reflecting on Their Childhoods:
🧠 Key Messages to Include (in your own words)
Use your voice, but try to reinforce at least one of the following campaign messages:
✅ “Our kids can’t wait anymore for support.”
✅ “Supporting kids early in life is an investment in our future. Prevention matters.”
✅ “This is a national issue — and politicians must act now.”
✅ “I’m raising my voice because our kids count.”
You can end your video with:
👉 “Join me in signing the open letter at “smilingmind.com.au”
🎥 Filming Tips
Film in a quiet space with minimal background noise
Use your phone vertically (portrait mode)
Natural light works best – face a window if filming indoors
Keep your background neutral or homey (a living room, garden, classroom etc.)
Speak from the heart – no script needed
Don't worry about being perfect — authenticity is powerful
📤 How to Submit Your Video
Upload your video to social media and and help amplify #OurKidsCount using the hashtag and by tagging Smiling Mind in your post.
If you don’t use social media but are happy for us to share your video on our channels, email it to: info@smilingmind.com please ensure you choose a high quality file and include your first name and location.
❤️ Final Note
Your voice matters. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, nurse, or someone who cares, your story can help drive real political change. Together, we can ensure that mental health support for kids is no longer an afterthought, but a priority.
Let’s make sure #OurKidsCount this election.
