A great vision – true philanthropy

Many people may not know that Smiling Mind is a not-for-profit organisation, An organisation with an aspirational vision to help every mind thrive. We exist to try and make a difference to the rates of mental illness we’re seeing across all our communities - with children and young people at the centre of that vision and prevention our focus. 

This vision started 7 years ago with a big idea, a grand ambition, and a lot of heart – led by our two founders, Jane Martino and James Tutton. These two pioneered an approach to make mindfulness accessible to all – through the Smiling Mind app, now sitting in the back pocket of more than 4.2 million people. 

SM_JaneandJames-09


Looking back there were a number of key supporters that shared this vision, and the courage to back something new, something never done before. Without their support none of what we have achieved would have been possible. The story of these philanthropists often go unspoken but their quiet support does not go unnoticed. 

This week one of those early supporters passed away, aged 94.

Today, we would like to acknowledge and reflect on the impact his support has had.

A note from our co-founder, James Tutton...

“Geoff Handbury AO had faith in us - he supported us when we needed it most. He supported us when we were young and in need of a helping hand. 

This week Geoff passed away. We are eternally grateful for his generosity and wisdom.

After seven years Smiling Mind seems like it was based on a sound idea, an inevitable success. After all, why wouldn’t it work? 

Time has a way of making past successes seem this way. The reality is very different. 

When we had an idea, to teach young people mindfulness meditation as a preventative mental health tool, most people baulked at us. 

We needed funding, we needed people to believe in us. So many of those we approached felt our idea was doomed to fail. An unsound idea from two entrepreneurs who knew nothing about mental health.

There were a handful of friends, families, work colleagues and like minded souls who had faith in us and our idea. Geoff Handbury was one such person.

We sat down together at his house in Western Victoria. We spoke of childhood, of parenting, of country life, of love and life challenges. We spoke of his experiences. We took our time and he listened. 

He was a believer and he made a commitment to provide his support to us. This was at a juncture in our history when we were small, unknown and ultimately vulnerable as a start up.

The world benefits greatly from people like Geoff. With success comes responsibility. If people are able to help they should. For us, and many others, he exemplified this world view.”

To learn more about the generosity and vision of Geoff Handbury, AO click here.

Dr Addie Wootten

Written by Dr Addie Wootten

Latest

Managing Teacher Burnout: A Mental Fitness Guide

Teacher burnout is one of the most pervasive challenges of working in education today.

Teachers, Self care, Mental Fitness 5 minute read

"A social media band-aid won’t stick": Smiling Mind's take on Australia's Proposed Under 16 Social Media Ban

The recent petition to ban Australian children under 16 from social media is filled with great intentions in the face of...

3 minute read

Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget

The 2025 Federal Budget has failed our children, according to Australia’s leading children’s mental health not-for-profi...

Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read

Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister

Tomorrow’s budget announcement will be an important reflection of what we care about as a nation. There’s an opportunity...

Children, Family, Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read
Quote of the week
“You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.”
Pema Chödrön

At home

Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister

Tomorrow’s budget announcement will be an important reflection of what we care about as a nation. There’s an opportunity...

Children, Family, Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read

Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact

Schools, and the educators that work within them, are in a unique and influential position. They have the ability to cre...

Children, Schools 14 minute read

Only 1 in 2 parents feel confident meeting the mental health and wellbeing needs of their child

Child mental health is declining, and only one in two parents feel confident meeting the mental health and wellbeing nee...

Children, Family, Mental Fitness 3 minute read

At Work

Empower Your Mind: How to Develop a Growth Mindset

Active learning, hard work and valuable feedback can change our brains—literally. Our intelligence is malleable and when...

Workplace, Tips & Tricks, Family 5 minute read

Leading the Way to Wellbeing: How Managers Can Counteract Workplace Stressors

Investing in workplace mental wellbeing is quickly becoming the dividing factor between a thriving business, and one tha...

Workplace, Tips & Tricks 8 minute read

The Art and Science of Compliments in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide

Improve mental wellbeing and team cohesiveness in the workplace by opening up communication and encouraging positive enf...

Workplace 5 minute read

At school

How to Encourage Friendships in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers

Forging healthy classroom connections is an integral part of a child’s emotional and social learning in school. These co...

Tips & Tricks, Teachers, Students, Schools 6 minute read

Why a ‘Blended’ Approach to Social and Emotional Learning in Schools Can Create Greater Impact

Schools, and the educators that work within them, are in a unique and influential position. They have the ability to cre...

Children, Schools 14 minute read

How to set your classroom up for success when it comes to SEL to build student (and teacher!) mental fitness

Cassandra Furst is a passionate primary school teacher who creates a positive learning environment that encourages curio...

Teachers, Students, Schools 7 minute read

News

Children’s mental health the losers of this year’s budget

The 2025 Federal Budget has failed our children, according to Australia’s leading children’s mental health not-for-profi...

Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read

Don’t forget Our Kids this budget, Prime Minister

Tomorrow’s budget announcement will be an important reflection of what we care about as a nation. There’s an opportunity...

Children, Family, Mental Health, Media release 3 minute read

3.6 million invested in a revolutionary approach to mental health for Australian children and families

Preventing mental illness before it starts is at the heart of a bold new partnership spearheaded by Smiling Mind and bol...

Mental Health, Media release 4 minute read
Recent initiatives
Screen Shot 2020-11-16 at 3.30.05 pm

NAIDOC Week with Jack Charles