Ollie’s Echo: Pathways to Prevention Ltd

Ollie’s Echo: Pathways to Prevention Ltd is an Australian charity established in 2024 in memory of Ollie Hughes, a 14-year-old boy who lost his life to anorexia nervosa. The organisation is dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for early intervention to prevent eating disorders, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by boys and young men.

Through education, community engagement, and targeted programs, Ollie’s Echo: Pathways to Prevention Ltd aims to break down stigma, empower families, and create safer, more supportive environments for all young people affected by eating disorders.

Echo Schools Program: Educating for Prevention

The Echo Schools Program is the flagship initiative of Ollie’s Echo: Pathways to Prevention Ltd. This program delivers interactive workshops and educational resources directly into schools, engaging students, parents, and educators in vital conversations about body image, self-esteem, and mental health. By sharing Ollie’s story and highlighting the signs and risks of eating disorders—especially in boys—the program fosters early recognition and encourages proactive support. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, addressing the needs of diverse genders and helping to dismantle the myth that eating disorders only affect girls.

Mission and Vision

Ollie’s Echo: Pathways to Prevention Ltd is driven by a mission to prevent eating disorders through education, awareness, and early intervention. The vision is a future where all young people, regardless of gender, feel empowered to seek help without shame, and where families and communities are equipped to support those at risk. The charity aspires to amplify Ollie’s legacy by sparking meaningful change in how society understands and responds to eating disorders.

Main Objectives

• Increase public awareness of eating disorders in boys and young men
• Provide support and resources for affected individuals and their families
• Advocate for early intervention and prevention strategies in schools and communities
• Challenge stigma and promote inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches to mental health

Benefiting Groups

Ollie’s Echo: Pathways to Prevention Ltd supports a broad range of individuals, including children aged 6 to under 15, adults aged 25 to under 65, families, males, and people of other gender identities. While the charity has a special focus on boys and young men, its programs are designed to be inclusive, recognising that eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Types of Services or Activities

• School-based workshops and seminars on eating disorder prevention
• Family support programs offering guidance and resources
• Online educational materials accessible to the wider community
• Advocacy campaigns to influence policy and public perception
• Opportunities for corporate partnerships and community engagement
• Encouragement of community support through donations and volunteering

By combining education, support, and advocacy, Ollie’s Echo: Pathways to Prevention Ltd strives to create lasting change, ensuring that no young person feels alone in their struggle with eating disorders.