Local youths asked to speak up in annual survey

YOUNG people from the Surf Coast are encouraged to share their personal concerns in Mission Australia’s 18th annual Youth Survey before August 9.

More than 28,000 young people participated in the 2018 survey, with 5,132 Victorians taking the opportunity to have their say.

The charity hopes to engage 30,000 participants this year as it works to address issues intrinsically linked to the health and wellbeing of young Aussies.

Mission Australia Victorian state leader Michele Leonard said she urged people aged 15-19 in Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea to join Australia’s leading annual poll of young people.

“The views of Victorian young people areinvaluable. The Youth Survey is an annual temperature check to find out what young people across the country are thinking, feeling and experiencing,” Ms Leonard said.

“It gives organisations like Mission Australia current evidence so that we can advocate on behalf of young people for the policy changes and programs that they need, and that are proven to work.”

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey provides a valuable snapshot into the variety of struggles experienced by the nation’s most vulnerable population, while offering important insights that influence the work undertaken by Mission Australia, community groups and government decision makers.

This year’s Youth Survey includes new focus questions to better understand young people’s thoughts around bullying, disability and whether they feel heard when discussing issues most relevant to them.

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2019 is open to all young people aged 15-19 who are living in Australia.

To take part in the survey, head to missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. The survey closes on August 9, with results to be released in late November.