STRESS is the top issue facing young people in Cardinia shire, according to the council’s Youth Forum Survey.
The survey collected responses from more than 2300 young people aged 12 to 24 who live in or have strong connections to the shire.
Young people responded to 10 questions about youth issues, what was important to them and what opportunities they would like to see in their community.
According to the survey respondents the top issues facing young people in Cardinia shire were:
- school or work related stress
- stress
- being unhappy
- anxiety
- body image
Young people identified the most important things in life as:
- friends
- family
- feeling happy
- being healthy
- being successful
Young people were asked to identify one thing that they would like to see changed for them in Cardinia shire. The top responses included:
- – more activities
- – more sporting groups and activities
- – ensuring people feel safe
- – increased equality and decrease discrimination
- – stop bullying
The council’s Youth Services co-ordinator Emma Carter said the council is committed to listening to young people, their families and community partners to continually improve and develop local services for young people.
“The results of this survey will help council plan services, programs and advocate for the needs of our young people as well as help other youth service providers and local schools in the area to do the same,” she said.
“The young people further identified that they were feeling stressed because of school, what they saw in the media, family, friends or work,” Ms Carter said.
“Youth Services will use its networks to explore what information is needed to further understand the stress being expressed by some young people and to work collectively on strategies to support young people and families.”
She said the council will play a key role in implementing strategies and programs that will equip other young people and families to assist in times of crisis, highlighting the importance of that young people and families being aware of the specialised assistance services that are already on offer to those in need.
