Young people in Great Lakes urged to take part in Youth Survey 2019

Open to those aged between 15 and 19, the survey asks the youth of Australia to speak up about the issues that matter to them so Mission Australia can advocate on their behalf.

Celebrating the survey's 18^th birthday in 2019, the charity is hoping a record-breaking 30,000 people will take part to help celebrate the milestone.

With increased participation, Mission Australia is hoping they'll be able to provide a broader overview of the issues that impact the health, mental health and wellbeing of young people across Australia.

There are also new focus questions included that centre on bullying, disabilities and whether young people feel they have enough input on the issues that affect them.

The results from the survey will be released in November and will help influence and inform the work of Mission Australia, community groups and government decision-makers.

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Mission Australia regional leader Craig Westall encouraged young people from the Great Lakes to have their voice heard.

"Understanding the views of our young people is invaluable," he said.

"The Youth Survey is an annual temperature check to find out what's happening in young people's lives, giving 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 come on board for the first time this year.

"We hope to see even more schools and groups in the Great Lakes region join in and participate before it closes in early August.

"The more young people who get involved and add their voice, the more inclusive, insightful and representative of the broader youth community the results will be."

According to Mission Australia, just under half of the young people in NSW who participated in the survey in 2018 identified mental health as the top issue facing Australia today.

This was a marked increase from previous years, with alcohol and drugs and equity and discrimination the other two issues most commonly identified.

The survey closes on August 9.

To take part, click here and share the word on social media using #YouthSurvey2019 and #YouthSurvey18thBirthday.

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