About Us
Our Vision
We envision a world where every young person has the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate life with courage and compassion – and to meaningfully contribute to the wellbeing of their community and the planet.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make wellbeing education enjoyable, engaging, and inclusive. We create innovative programs and resources that equip young people with the skills and insights to thrive in school and life. We spark real conversations that bravely address common worries and guide young people to healthy, practical ways forward.
Our Story
HAT Wellbeing began with a simple, powerful idea from author and illustrator Matthew Johnstone — to deliver gentle, creative, inspiring wellbeing messages in bite-sized moments. As the idea grew, Matthew partnered with passionate educators and wellbeing leaders David Bott and Justin Robinson, whose vision was clear: wellbeing must be done with young people, not to them.
Joining from the beginning, tech entrepreneur Andrew McCallum brought world-class digital expertise and a shared commitment to supporting teens at a time they need it most. Together, they created HAT Wellbeing — a dynamic, engaging resource that addresses real adolescent worries and sparks meaningful conversations. Grounded in research, creativity, and empathy, HAT now supports schools and young people around the world, helping them navigate life’s challenges with courage, connection, and confidence.
Our Team
David Bott
Georgie Cameron
Matthew Johnstone
Abby Mae
Andrew McCallum
Justin Robinson
FAQs
What age group is HAT Wellbeing designed for?
While many people comment that HAT Wellbeing Thoughts, Images, and Insights feel ageless and relevant to all, the HATs and HAT Chat materials are specifically designed for students aged 10–18.
We currently offer two age group categories:
- Middle Years (10 – 14 years) (Grades 5 – 8)
- Senior Years (14 – 18 years) (Grades 9 – 12)
Some HATs are suitable for both age groups, while others are more targeted toward one. You can easily find the recommended age classification in the HAT Library, listed in each HAT’s Details box.
Can I tailor a HAT Chat to suit my students’ needs?
Absolutely! HAT Chats are designed to offer maximum flexibility for classroom teachers. You can truly ‘choose your own adventure’.
First, decide how you’d like to introduce the HAT — there are four unique starting points, each taking your students on a different journey to explore the three key elements of a HAT (Thought, Image, and Insight). From there, you can customise the experience by choosing the conversations, activities, and reflections that best suit your students’ age, needs, and the time you have available.
How do we know the HATs are safe?
Every HAT is developed through a careful and collaborative design process. Our team of educators, creatives, and mental health professionals work closely to ensure each HAT is inspiring, supportive, and safe for young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
That said, because HATs explore real and sometimes sensitive concerns, we encourage students to reach out for professional help if they are ever worried about themselves or someone else. HAT is designed to start meaningful conversations — and seeking support when needed is always part of that journey.
What if I have an idea for a new HAT?
We’re always working on new HATs — and we’d love your input! If you or your students have ideas for a new HAT Thought, Image, or topic you’d like to see explored, we’d be thrilled to hear them. Please share your ideas with our team at [email protected]. Together, we can keep growing the HAT Library!
Can HAT Student Journals go on our school booklist?
Yes, they can! Simply include the HAT Wellbeing Student Journal details and price on your school booklist as a compulsory item. You may also like to note that students will receive their HAT resources directly from their teacher at the start of the program.
Can our Parents and Friends’ Association fund our HAT Wellbeing program?
Absolutely! Many school Parents and Friends’ Associations choose to fund wellbeing initiatives that directly benefit students — their children. HAT Wellbeing, along with its thoughtfully designed newsletters, supports not only students but whole families, encouraging important and healthy wellbeing conversations at home. In fact, it’s not uncommon for parents and siblings to look forward to each new HAT newsletter!