Madeleine Steel: empowering parents, transforming lives

Madeleine Steel is a passionate advocate for parents navigating the complexities of raising teenagers in crisis.

Madeleine Steel

As the founder and CEO of EPIC (Empowering Parents in Crisis), she has dedicated herself to creating a strong, supportive community that recognises parents and carers as first responders to their children’s struggles. Through EPIC, she has established a safe, non-judgmental space where parents can find the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to support their families effectively.

Her journey began three years ago when she recognised a critical gap in support for parents facing the emotional and practical challenges of raising young people with mental health difficulties. Having experienced these struggles herself, she knew that many parents felt overwhelmed and isolated, often lacking the guidance and reassurance they desperately needed. Understanding the power of connection, she set out to create an organisation that not only provided direct assistance but also fostered a sense of belonging for those in similar situations.

Since its inception, EPIC has grown into a vital resource for families in the community. With nearly 400 members, the organisation has touched countless lives, offering peer support and a strong network for parents seeking understanding and encouragement. In the past year alone, EPIC facilitated over 1,100 parent and carer connections, provided direct assistance to more than 700 individuals through its phone helpline, and hosted 29 workshops and forums aimed at equipping parents with practical strategies for managing their unique challenges. The organisation has also organised regular walk-and-talk events, providing parents with an informal way to connect, share experiences, and support one another.

Madeleine’s work extends beyond direct peer support—she actively collaborates with schools, police, hospitals, and other organisations to raise awareness about youth mental health and improve support pathways for families. By forging these connections, she has helped bridge the gap between parents and the wider support networks available, ensuring that families receive the right guidance at the right time. Her advocacy has played a crucial role in increasing recognition of parents’ needs within the broader mental health conversation.

Madeleine Steel recognised as Citizen of the Year

In February, Madeleine was honoured as Ku-ring-gai Citizen of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and impact. Her leadership and relentless commitment have not only strengthened individual families but have also contributed to a more connected, resilient community. Through EPIC, she has demonstrated that when parents feel empowered and supported, they are better equipped to guide their children through life’s most challenging moments.

Beyond her work with EPIC, Madeleine is a keen horticulturist, landscape designer, and travel consultant. However, among all the roles she has embraced, her most treasured is being a mother to two wonderful teenagers. It is this personal experience that fuels her passion for her work, reminding her every day of the importance of connection, understanding, and support in parenting. She firmly believes that no parent facing a crisis should have to navigate it alone and that through peer support, shared experiences, and practical resources, parents can learn from one another and build the resilience needed to support themselves and their families.

Madeleine’s vision for EPIC is clear—to continue expanding its reach and impact, ensuring that more parents and carers have access to the support they need. She hopes to further develop partnerships with organisations that align with EPIC’s mission, increase awareness of the importance of peer support, and continue breaking down the stigma surrounding youth mental health. Her dedication has not only changed the lives of those she directly supports but has also inspired a broader movement of kindness, awareness, and collective strength within the community.

Through her work, Madeleine has shown that parenting in crisis does not have to be a lonely journey. By fostering open conversations, creating safe spaces for connection, and advocating for greater awareness, she is helping to redefine what it means to support parents and carers. Her efforts have made a lasting difference, ensuring that more families feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. In a world where mental health challenges continue to affect so many, her work serves as a beacon of hope and support for those who need it most.