MISSION Australia's Youth Survey is turning 18 this year and the charity is looking for people within the Upper Hunter between the ages of 15-19 to take part.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It will ask some new focus questions in order to better understand young people's thoughts around bullying, disability and whether young people feel they have enough of a say about the issues that affect them.
With more than 28,000 young people participating across Australia in 2018, including 8,211 young people in NSW, MA aims to reach well over 30,000 participants nationwide in celebration of the milestone.
Their State Director, Nada Nasser, encourages youth in Muswellbrook and the Hunter Valley and across NSW to share their aspirations, concerns and views for the charity's 18th annual Youth Survey.
"Mission Australia's Youth Survey has come of age and is celebrating 18 years," she said.
"We're very proud of our Youth Survey, as every year it offers an important temperature check on the thoughts, concerns and aspirations of young Australians.
"Thanks to the Youth Survey, many organisations like Mission Australia have current evidence on what young people are thinking and experiencing, which helps us to advocate with them and for them for the services and policy changes that they need.
She is aiming to see a different demographic take part in the historic questionnaire in 2019.
"We're hoping to see more high schools, sporting teams, community youth groups, church groups and community service organisations urge young people to get involved this year," said Ms Nasser.
"We truly value the voices of young people, and they must be heard. The more young people we have participate, the more comprehensive and inclusive the results will be."
In 2018, just under half (45.3%) NSW young people identified mental health as the top issue facing Australia today - up from 38.0% in 2017 and doubling since 2016.
In 2018, young people in NSW identified mental health as the top national issue at a higher rate than any other State or Territory.
The top three issues identified by young people from NSW were mental health (45.3%), alcohol and drugs (26.1%) and equity and discrimination (22.2%).
The survey is open to all young people aged 15-19 years-old who are living in Australia.
To take part people can visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey and share the word using #YouthSurvey2019 #YouthSurvey18thBirthday
Responses close on 31 July 2019, with results to be released in late November.