To celebrate the 18th birthday of Mission Australia’s annual Youth Survey, the charity is encouraging a record number of young people aged 15-19 across Australia to come to the party and have a say in Youth Survey 2019.

This year’s survey will ask 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.

With a record number of more than 28,000 young people participating in 2018, Mission Australia aims to reach well over 30,000 participants in celebration of the important milestone.

Mission Australia CEO James Toomey encourages young people across Australia to speak up and share their aspirations, concerns and views for the charity’s 18th annual Youth Survey.

“Our Youth Survey has come of age and turns 18 this year, so we want this to be a milestone to remember. We are proud of our Youth Survey, as every year it provides a temperature check of the thoughts, concerns and aspirations of young Australians and a range of invaluable insights. Thanks to the Youth Survey, a vast range of organisations like Mission Australia have up-to-date evidence on what young people are thinking and experiencing, enabling us to advocate with them and for them for the services and policy changes that they need.

“For Youth Survey’s 18th birthday, we’re encouraging even more young people to share their voice either online, at school or through a local community group. We also hope to see even more high schools, sporting teams, community youth groups, church groups and community service organisations urge young people to get involved this year. The voices of young people must be heard and elevated. The more young people we have participate, the more comprehensive and wide-ranging the results will be,” said Mr Toomey.

In 2018, four in ten (43%) young people identified mental health as the top issue facing Australia – up from 33% in 2017 and doubling since 2016. The top three personal concerns were coping with stress (43%), school or study problems (34%) and mental health (31%).

Mission Australia’s Youth Survey 2019 is open to all young people aged 15-19 years-old who are living in Australia. To take part in the survey, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. Share the word using #YouthSurvey2019 #YouthSurvey18thBirthday

The survey closes on 16th of August 2019, with results to be released in late November.

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