Overview
Orygen and Mission Australia's Making Hope Possible report draws on findings from the 2025 Mission Australia Youth Survey of young people aged 14-19.
It explores how young people feel about their future and how confident they are in navigating the challenges ahead and achieving the lives they want.
The report also examines how mental health and wellbeing, financial and housing circumstances, social connections and support, and access to opportunities and resources relate to whether young people feel their aspirations are within reach.
Key findings
Confidence in the future varies across different areas of life. Housing was one of the areas young people felt least confident about, with only 53% confident they would be able to afford a safe place to live in the future.
The findings suggest that young people's confidence in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead is closely linked to how positively they perceive their future.
This highlights the importance of investing in the skills, knowledge and capabilities that help young people navigate challenges, seize opportunities and transition successfully into adulthood.
At the same time, young people also need the resources, support networks and opportunities that help make the future they hope for feel within reach.
Policy recommendations
1. Safeguard young people's futures through policy.
Embed an intergenerational perspective in economic, housing, climate, education and health policies, and involve young people in decisions affecting their futures.
2. Strengthen young people’s skills, capabilities and confidence
Invest in practical supports that help young people navigate education, employment, financial decisions, housing and healthcare, alongside opportunities for social connection and belonging.
3. Prioritise young people experiencing disadvantage.
Address financial hardship, housing insecurity and barriers to education, employment and mental health support, with coordinated services for young people experiencing multiple forms of exclusion.