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Feel connected to who you are and life!

We are live every Tue-Thur Night! 100% of participants recommend us. They rate their experience 4.8/5

5/5
Book Your Free Session

Feel connected to who you are and life!

We are live every Tue-Thur Night! 100% of participants recommend us. They rate their experience 4.8/5

5/5
Book Your Free Session

Not Feeling Right about Yourself and Life ?

At Highway, we understand—it’s normal to feel a little lost. That’s why we’re here to help you reconnect with yourself, others, and the world. Our programs, led by highly trained Highway Youth Companions who’ve experienced Highway’s transformative impact, provide safe, supportive spaces for you to explore your voice, your path, and what truly matters to you.

We believe you already have the answers—you just need the right space to uncover them. Over 1,000 young people have found clarity, connection, and hope through our programs. At Highway, spirituality is about being true to yourself and how you show up in the world—no religion required. Everyone is welcome, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or background.

This is your journey. Let’s walk it together!

Why we're different

Highway Foundation is a youth charity combating the often-unspoken struggle of internal loneliness facing our young people. This internal loneliness exists, despite being surrounded by family, friends and of course ‘social’ media, and is the reason many young people feel so disconnected and unsupported. Loneliness is the number one predictor of poor mental health.

Highway Foundation was launched in 2020 by applied positive psychology expert, Lela McGregor. In a time where waiting periods for psychologists are high, Highway Foundation provides interim support to young people needing someone to talk to. The foundation was recognised with deducible gift recipient status as a harm prevention charity in March 2021.

In 2024, Highway Foundation won the Spiritual Care Team of the Year award over many existing and established programs.

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What young people say about their 60-min Highway Companion Session

"I would recommend it to young people who feel their voices and stories don't matter or don't deserve to be heard. Highway was a great way for me to express myself and share things I couldn't share with family or friends, and having someone who listened and valued my thoughts was so helpful because it is an important step to valuing oneself as well. I would also recommend it because it is a space to feel one's feelings and tap into what is important in life. Sometimes it takes someone to nudge you in the right direction."
Aryana
"I think its a really great way to understand yourself, not everyone is given to opportunity to openly share what is in the back of your mind or get yourself out of your zone of people. Its sometimes easier to talk to a stranger than someone you know because its judgement free. Its a really great way to have a conversation about yourself and give yourself some 'me' time. The facilitator was amazing asked a lot of open questions that got me thinking a bit deeper, and validating why I felt this why or is it just an irrational thought."
Angela
"It was such an amazing session. I would definitely recommend it to any young people around the world. It was real, genuine, the focus was on you having all the answers yourself, and it was very easily digestible. The facilitator guides you in a very non-judgemental way, and leaves so much room for you to explore and awaken parts of yourself that you didn't know were there."
Bella
"I think it is great to have someone to talk through what you are experiencing because when we try to reason through what is happening to us, we can miss some insights due to negative self talk, and limiting beliefs."
Manisha
"Because it was helpful. I left the session feeling relief. Lots of people need any outlet when problems are heavy. This was great."
Anastazia
"100% i feel more respected and heard. my thoughts are all cleared. it was a very fun talking with my facilitator. Very fun going and good listener."
Pem
"It’s a safe place to be heard and somewhere where you can speak freely without feeling like you need to moderate or be counselled."
Sonali
"I felt heard and cared about. Made me feel like I'm not just complaining for the sake of it. Doesn't try and give you solutions that may or may not fit."
Christopher
"It's a nice space to think about yourself and your goals without some of the formalities of doctors or other professionals, which can be intimidating for some people."
Charlotte
"I really love Highway and the heart behind the foundation. It has helped me in the past in 2021 and again tonight with some helpful and practical tips that I can apply in my day to day existence which will produce long term fulfilment of my goals."
Samuel
"It is a great way for young people to have someone to open up and connect with about their personal problems that they are dealing with so they aren’t alone, especially since it is free and easy to access."
Emily
"Because many people are lonely and don't have anyone to share their feelings with. Therefore it is important to have this platform to express ourselves."
Sarai
"It was a really nice space to be in and really meaningful to just have the space to talk and learn about yourself. It also felt less intense and intimidating than therapy. I came out if the session feeling really motivated and inspired 🙂 ."
Julia
"It's a space where you can feel free, without judgement to say what's on your mind and delve into those things. A relief, a way to move forward and be satiated with the past."
Phillip
"Its easier to speak to a peer about certain topics than someone who you believe is above you in some way. It makes relating certain topics and ideas easier."
Shreya
"Talking to another young person is just such a comfortable, easy experience. I was made to feel so relaxed and comfortable to chat about anything and everything. super refreshing, everyone deserves to experience this too."
Leah
"It's so relieving, reassuring and comforting to speak with others that are within your age group. Malu was so gentle, warm, empathetic and kind throughout our whole conversation. It is a free service, and I know so many young people think they can't speak to anyone due to their financial situation. I was one of these people, so I am forever grateful to have been welcomed at Highway and to have had a session with Malu."
Alice
"It's just nice having a conversation about my feelings."
Billy
"It has been really helpful for me, just to talk and for someone to listen as well as gain a better understanding of myself."
Valerie
"I wish support like this was more accessible to youths now as I wish I could have had this when I was younger ."
Leeanne
"It would for anyone who wants to talk about something and they don't feel trusted or misjudged. It would be really supportive and safe platform for anyone to talk about themselves."
Jay
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What young people say about their Highway Journey experience

"I would recommend Highway because it changed my life. I would recommend Highway to my friends because I got something out of it, namely a better understanding of myself and a greater sense of comfort in my future."
Edie
"Offers a wonderful space to express yourself freely and simply sitting with what is and what you want to do about it. A kind environment that promotes reflection, self exploration and acceptance."
Jake
"Because it was such relaxing and calming sessions and reminded me to really check in on myself and do the things I love. These were incredible and allowed me to connect with others and open up my empathy to those who are also struggling. This isn’t therapy but feels like it and I absolutely loved it! "
Helen
"I think it's a great platform to really reflect on yourself and start formulating steps to improve yourself."
Eric
"I felt very heard and was able to laugh and cry a little in a good way. It was nice to have a vent."
Ashley
"It’s a supportive program and very welcoming. I felt comfortable in a new environment."
Yasmine
"It was a great experience! The dashboard is super handy in tracking progress and setting manageable goals. Overall, it was a cool thing to be involved with."
Janine
"As a young person, I feel it's highly useful and purposeful to have a platform that you can reflect on yourself with anything in your life but also having that power to speak to others without hindrance, restraint or judgement. I hope every young person in the world will have the access to this platform as it has been super motivating sessions for me."
Laney
"It was really great to be able to talk about our lives and what we’re going through with others our age who we didn’t know so there wasn’t the pressure of not embarrassing ourselves or anything like that. In normal life, you don’t really get the chance to just talk about what’s happening so it was really great to have structured time to do that in."
Ali
"It was a safe space for me to express myself and share my story. I felt that I connected to and resonated with other people and their stories. The sessions made me feel less alone in my struggles."
Cyrus
"I felt heard and respected. It was a place that I could be honest with myself and make friends who had similar stories to me."
Joanne
" It is really a supportive environment for those who need it."
Lachlan
"It felt good to be express myself, be vulnerable as well as share and listen to other people's stories."
Aman
"I really enjoyed the space, it was super casual and meaningful to reflect about my life and how far I've come. My group was amazing and my facilitator did a great job and made the sessions really engaging."
Michael
"Not many people in our age group have a chance to talk or have constructive conversations often."
Rick
"The whole organisation was very helpful, warm and friendly, I felt heard and understood as well as valued and I really enjoyed my group sessions, and I look forward to more Highway in the future.
Samuel
"I like how Highway's sessions are structured. I have tried similar programs in the past but I felt like they were all over the place. I absolutely loved my experience at Highway! I was able to meet some amazing people and my facilitator was lovely. I just wished the program was ongoing and didn't stop at four sessions."
Shari
"It's a good place to feel heard and not worry about being judged."
Astrid
"I think it’s great sessions that aren’t too hard to commit to and you actually get a lot out of it because it’s a couple of sessions rather than a one-off. I found everyone really supportive and willing to listen and the facilitator helped us come along and guide us where we needed to go."
Phil
"Was good to meet new people and chat about things with no judgement."
Erica
"The sessions helped me get through tough times especially during the Covid breakout and lockdown."
Natami
"I would recommend it because it is a safe place to talk and discuss anything you want about your life."
Sonni
"It's good for those that are quite lost, or just need a space to self-reflect."
Kate
"I think it is a great way to practise verbal and written affirmation and to be reminded that everyone is connected and working forward goals and dealing with hardships. It also services as a reminder that everyone has something in common and relatable."
Jess
"Highway is a good place to share your thoughts and feelings in a non judgemental space. The facilitator was kind and warm and it was good to take myself out of my comfort zone."
Rose
"It's the reminder of your sessions and supportive people in them, that gets you closer to your goals."
Nevis
"It was a great experience, exceeded my expectations. I feel it is a very safe and non-confrontational environment to receive support and be able to grow. A perfect balance of empathy and strategy."
Julia
"It’s a great platform to get things off your chest and feel safe."
Kav
"Felt safe and could reflect, I also found the group aspect helpful. My facilitator was great and supportive."
Ella
"Helped me realise what I've achieved in life, which is something everyone deserves to realise."
Maya
"The vibes were positive and it was a non-judgmental place to share our stories."
Jessica
"It’s a safe space away from people who know you and feels liberating to be yourself. "
Kourtney
"It was a really great experience and I know bc of lockdown there will be a lot of issues that my friends will be wanting to get off their chests, and I feel like this is a very safe and open place to do so."
Celia
"Because they are good at what they do!"
Mitch
"The accountability, openness and warmth of the Highway group was something I felt propel my personal growth. I've recommended it to a lot of friends."
Ivana
"It's a good tool to self-reflect and consider areas to improve or unpack further."
Ching
"We rarely have this opportunity to openly talk to strangers about what we're going through, and its incredibly beneficial to be able to have the time and space to be able to do this. "
Katherine
"It really helped me recognise the best way to see life and how to approach difficult situations that arise."
Mabelle
"Highway made me realise that sometimes all you need to feel better is a safe space to talk through your thoughts and feelings, even if you're not getting counselling. Being with other young people also helped me put my thoughts into perspective and often made me change the way i look at things, in a positive way."
Naya
"I think it was a great opportunity to get some internal things out into the open and examine them, as well as participate in the group and build some new bonds there."
Zak
"It's a really lovely curated space for vulnerability. My facilitator was an amazing listener and always encouraged us to connect deeper within ourselves to acknowledge what we were feeling."
Fatima
"It’s a nice way to have a nice time during lockdown."
Drago
"I found it a good place to share my thoughts with other people and hear others' perspective on things. I think there's not a lot of places to do this."
Kelley
"It was super supportive and non-judgmental."
Dilmani
"Being aware of your problem and be able to identify your problem and solution."
Katie
"Good for people who want some space to figure things out without having too much ‘advice’ forced upon them from older people."
Charlie
"The sessions provide an insight into people's lives who are on a different path than you, while still struggling with the same emotions, relationships, and/or career questions. It allows individuals to feel like they have someone to stand alongside them. To be with them while questioning life challenges."
Krystina
"It was great to be able to talk about struggles without the fear of being judged, and I feel like a lot of my friends would find that useful!"
Cece
"it's a great space for young people to share how they are feeling, and gain perspective and insight from others during each session. I think it's a great platform to explore the different things that I am experiencing and to share my voice and be heard by other people.
Danielle
" I feel like I've developed a stronger sense of identity and have learnt ways to overcome my emotional outbursts and stress management."
Mandy
"I think it's just a really unique space where you can be heard and supported, and allowed to work through whatever is going on."
Xavier
"A space where my friends are able to feel heard and respected, and also a space where they are able to share themselves in a way they may never have shared before."
Dana
"Great place to speak with like-minded people and being open, usually burden friends with these issues. This group is probably a better place to express stuff!"
Karena
"I think it was very comforting to know that there are complete strangers who feel the same way as I do about many of the stressors in my life and I’m not alone."
Erica
"Highway helped me make peace with uncertainty, the pressure of having it figured out and to make the decisions around my future on my own."
Shiva
"Surely this could be very powerful to check on our mental health at any time. Thank you team for all of your efforts and I just want to express my gratefulness to you guys for making this more accessible to us :)"
Sarah
"It feels empowering and it's a nice space to think about the different issues that I am going through, and to feel supported in a non-judgemental space."
Davina
" I genuinely felt like my mindset had changed and improved significantly from the time i started my sessions to the time i ended. I really believe Highway is an amazing service that can offer young people, whether they're struggling or not."
Rachel
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All donations to our charity are tax deductible.

We are a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission. We are also endorsed by the Ministry of Family and Social Services as a Harms Prevention Charity. Highway Foundation welcomes all young people from all ethnicities, genders and backgrounds. We help young people belong and become the person they want to be!

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We are not an emergency service.

If you have something serious to talk about or need, find the right service and support that can help you.

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Highway Foundation acknowledges the lands that we meet wherever we are in Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and celebrate with pride the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples', their ongoing cultures and sacred connection to the lands and waters.

Contact Us: traffic@highwayfoundation.org
Phone : +61 0493 227 621
Address : 1/297 Ingles St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia

ACNC registered tax deductible charity
ABN : 13 643 209 063

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