Mission Australia is urging young people in South West Sydney to speak up on personal concerns and broader issues that are important to them.
It wants anyone aged between 15 and 19 to participate in its Youth Survey 2019 before it closes on August 16.
Celebrating the annual survey’s 18th birthday this year, the charity is seeking a record number of young people to come to the party and have a say in Youth Survey 2019.
With more than 28,000 young people participating in 2018, including 8,211 young people in NSW, Mission Australia has a goal to reach well over 30,000 participants in celebration of the milestone.
Mission Australia hopes that with more participation this year, the charity will be able to provide a broader overview of the issues that are important to the health, mental health and wellbeing of young people across the country.
The survey results will be released in November and will be used to advocate on behalf of young people.
This year’s survey also includes some new focus questions 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.
Each year, the survey provides a valuable snapshot of young Australians and offers many important insights that informs Mission Australia’s work, that of other community groups as well as government decision makers.
Mission Australia area manager Saeli Masina encourages 15-19 year olds in South West Sydney to undertake Australia’s largest annual nationwide poll of young people.
“The views of young people are invaluable. The Youth Survey helps to inform parents, community leaders as well as state and federal government representatives about what young people across the country are thinking, feeling and experiencing,’’ Mr Masina 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.”
“There are a large number of schools, community youth groups, sporting teams, community service organisations and church groups that take part in the Youth Survey every year, and many more have taken part for the first time this year.
We hope to see even more schools and groups in South West Sydney join in and participate before the survey closes.
“The more young people who have their say, the more insightful and representative of the youth community the results will be.’’
To take part in the survey, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey
