How the OurHerd app is shaping the future of mental health

Content warning: This article includes references to suicide, which may be distressing for some readers. If this brings up difficult feelings, support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online at lifeline.org.au. You can also contact the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or access online counselling at suicidecallbackservice.org.au (24/7). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

Have you ever felt like you were the only person in the room carrying a weight that nobody else could see? We've all been there and we know how isolating it can feel to navigate the ups and downs of mental health in silence.

That's exactly why nib foundation and batyr partnered together to expand the reach of the powerful OurHerd app, because no one should have to navigate their mental health journey alone.

Why batyr's mission matters

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australians, accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths in those aged 15–24. Within the 5–17 age bracket, the vast majority of occurrences (71.3%) are among those aged 15–17. Recent data also shows that rates of psychological distress in young people are at an all-time high. Despite these numbers, many young Australians still face barriers to support, including financial pressure and a preference for managing mental health challenges independently.

As a for-purpose preventative mental health organisation, batyr works closely with young people to eliminate stigma surrounding mental health. They provide the platform and skills needed to share personal stories in a way that's safe, impactful and empowering. They are actively shifting the conversation from what's wrong to how we can support each other.

batyr's research shows that while the internet is the third most common source of support for psychological distress, only a minority of wellbeing apps are actually designed for young people without much focus on improving mental health literacy.

So, what is OurHerd?

Supported by the nib foundation, OurHerd is batyr's first-of-its-kind mental health and storytelling app tailored to young people aged 15-30. Its main purpose is to empower users to share stories of lived experience, amplifying youth voices to create positive change.

Through our support, batyr has added vital functionality to the app, including content for international students, ensuring even more young people have a community to lean on. The app also guides users to relevant content and captures insights that help influence and improve Australian mental health services.

What does OurHerd offer?

OurHerd is so much more than another social media platform. It's a moderated digital community that provides a safe space to access support and daily self-care practices.

Through our partnership, they've even implemented specific features to make the app more accessible for international university students, including subtitles, tailored topics and dedicated help-seeking resources, so everyone feels seen and supported. Over the last year, batyr rebuilt the underlying infrastructure of OurHerd to allow for scalability, flexible content delivery, improved data insights and easier integration with other delivery channels. This has enabled OurHerd to function beyond a standalone product and as a core piece of infrastructure that supports storytelling, help-seeking and engagement across face-to-face programs and online spaces.

The platform’s reach is also expanding through University Hubs, also supported by nib foundation. University Hubs extends batyr’s face‑to‑face university programs into a dedicated digital wellbeing space. The hubs bring together lived‑experience stories from students, tailored campus support information and practical wellbeing tools — giving students a clear place to return to for support, anytime and anywhere.

At its heart, this app is about a simple yet life-changing truth: when young people share their stories, they discover they were never really alone in the first place.

The change in action

By giving young people a safe platform to share their real-life experiences with a community that truly gets it, OurHerd is actively washing away the stigma that often makes seeking support feel so scary.

The impact of this is significant. OurHerd is already showing up in the lives of its members. In FY24, a heartening 77% of OurHerd users felt ready to support a friend through a tough time and 68% state they have a great connection to community.. batyr continues to evolve as an innovator of tech solutions for young people, guided by their evolving needs. In addition to the continued investment in the OurHerd app, batyr is piloting other digital solutions to ensure they are meeting young people in the online spaces they already occupy.

Why the community loves it

Strength in connection: There is a unique kind of relief in hearing from someone who truly gets it. Realising you're not alone is often the most powerful step toward feeling supported and understood.

Moving beyond the silence: It's about time the old hush-hush culture was left behind. By providing a safe and moderated space, OurHerd creates a corner of the internet where young people can finally speak their truth without judgment.

Co-designed by young people: batyr didn't want to guess what you needed, so they worked alongside over 1,600 young people to ensure this app feels like a genuine space for you to be yourself.

Real stories, real change: Every story shared shows that reaching out isn't a weakness—it's actually a massive sign of strength.

How to join OurHerd

Step 1: Download the app

You can find OurHerd on both the App Store and Google Play. It's completely free to download and use!

Step 2: Create your profil

Create a profile that feels right for you. Privacy is the priority, so you can stay anonymous or use a pseudonym if you choose.

Step 3: Explore and connect

Take a look around the Herd to see what others are sharing. You can use filters to find stories that resonate with your own experiences. If you're an international student, look for the specific tags and resources tailored to your journey.

Step 4: Share when you're ready

The app provides guided tools to help you articulate your own story. You can share through video, writing or creative prompts. Moderators then review every post to ensure the environment stays supportive and safe for everyone.

Ready to find your Herd? Download the app today.