GNARLY90 is a bold new chapter for a local team of advocates making a difference for youth mental health as the idea that 90 days of action leads to lasting change.
The founder, Jayden Sheridan speaks openly about growing up without a positive role model and instability at home.
By 15, Jayden experienced the systematic problems that accompany the circumstances, he was on the path to addiction, homelessness, jail or worse.
Still a teenager, at 17 Jayden found out he was going to be a dad. He made a promise to change the narrative for his son Brooklyn and in doing so he became a changemaker for many disadvantaged youths in Seymour, which ranks in the top nine per cent of Australia’s most disadvantaged communities.
Jayden launched the Gnarly Neighbours Social Enterprise in August 2021 and in 2024 he was recognised as one of four finalists for the Young Australian of the Year Award.
“Gnarly Neighbours has shown what’s possible when we lead with lived experience and back young people early,” he said.
At Gnarly Neighbours Jayden voluntarily teaches young people how to use their skateboards because it is good for their self-esteem and Jayden said that fronting up to a fear fuels mental wellbeing.
“When we engage in a challenge a part of the brain [the right frontal cortex and the brainstem]is stimulated and if you don’t use it, it doesn’t grow.
“It is so important because that part of the brain sets you up to take on challenges later in life,” he said.
The social enterprise also fosters the belief in young people that they can develop entrepreneurial relationships, greater self-esteem and possibly a career in hospitality or printing and graphics as the social enterprises retail departments provide training and skill development.
Now 30, Jayden is determined to further his reach.
“Seymour is just the beginning as we are taking Gnarly Neighbours across the nation now with the GNARLY90,” he said.
“History is repeating itself and the only solutions to these systemic problems come after the fact.
“We need to stop waiting for the situation to turn to crisis before we act!
“Prevention, connection, and creativity should be the baseline not the backup plan.”
The fundraiser promotes community cohesion which will change the narrative for many people in Seymour and beyond. The program was launched online last week and every dollar raised will go towards creating safe places for young people.
“We know that it takes 90 days to shift a habit (or make a new one),” Jayden said.
“It’s about showing up, taking action, and building resilience, so no young person has to walk through life alone.”
A Broadford resident Jenn O’Connor has joined the movement by setting a goal to propagate plants from her own garden and she plans to hand out one each day while also encouraging everyone to support the GNARLY90.
Mrs O’Connor was a key player in growing a community garden at the Broadford Community Living and Learning Centre.
Happily married with two young children, Mrs O’Connor shared that her maternal family struggled to find good mental health support before it was too late and that gardening helps.
“In my past, as a child of four under a single parent, we were knocked around day care centres a lot and we were kicked out of most.
“Poor mental health responses and systems have led, in some parts to the death of my mother Heather. [She] died by suicide in 2002 after several failed attempts and hospitalisations.
“In 2016, my sister Stacey died from acute alcohol toxicity after her release from rehabilitation and an accidental drowning death of my brother Scott three years later.
“I was five months pregnant with my son at the time.
“Gardening is vital in how it lets me create and grow a safe haven where I can feel at peace and connected to the world around me.”
O’Connor’s original goal was to raise $90 for each family member she lost, but already, thanks to her community sponsors she has raised $1,716 as at September 1, 2025.
Jayden himself will be seeking sponsorship for his GNARLY90; a long distance run from Seymour to Brunswick.
In preparation he is planning the safest route and has engaged with a personal trainer.
“I hate running, I absolutely hate running,” he said.
“This challenge is going to test me, but I will crawl across the finish line on my hands and knees if I have to.”
Sponsors and supporters are welcome to cheer Jayden across the finished line afterwards at The Ramblin Man on Sunday, November 18.
The GNARLY90 team needs businesses to come on board as every dollar helps fund free programs for young people.
“We have had in-kind sponsorship from Hebron Films that helped us to package our vision into a video, and we have Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum sponsorship options available,” said GNARLY90’s Marketing and PR Lead Jessica Ware.
“We encourage schools to host school-wide events such as wellbeing weeks and businesses can do this too.
“The more businesses that can sponsor us the better supported the cause will be.”
To learn more, drop in to Gnarly Neighbours at 12 Crawford Street in Seymour or visit gnarlyneighbours.com.au.
If you or anyone you know needs help: Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 Domestic Violence Helpline – 1800RESPECT.
To donate or register for the GNARLY90 scan QR Code on this page.
