![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/03\/KaneAbbottHon.RoseJa_00311.jpg\")
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It has operated entirely on philanthropic funding since 2015, meaning recognition can also help highlight the need for support.<\/p>\n
“We’re 100 per cent philanthropically funded and we’ve got a clinical team delivering services across the Northern Rivers, so we’re constantly fundraising and writing grants to keep the work going,” Abbott said.<\/p>\n
“Recognition like this sends a signal that we’re here, we’re doing the work, and we’re engaging with young people that many traditional services have struggled to reach.”<\/p>\n
Abbott said Human Nature has recently been included in a study by a research team at Charles Sturt University.<\/p>\n
Two of its senior leaders also held a briefing at NSW State Parliament, discussing the challenges facing regional young people and the case for place-based responses.<\/p>\n
“Around 70 to 80 per cent of the young people who come to us aren’t engaged in school, training or work when they start,” Abbott said.<\/p>\n
“By the time they finish the program, about 78 per cent are back engaged in one of those areas.”<\/p>\n
“That means young people are finding a sense of purpose and direction again, often after experiencing significant trauma or hardship.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MENTAL health support group Human Nature has won multiple awards for its work in adventure therapy at the NSW LiFE Awards, recognised for its innovative approach to youth suicide prevention. The awards have been running for 22 years at Sydney Town Hall and saw Human Nature honoured in the Innovative Practice and Research and Priority […]<\/p>\n