Mission Australia Invites Coffs Coast Youth for Survey Coffs Coast Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - April 1, 2021 Young people as individuals, in school groups, sports teams or youth groups and community organisations are encouraged to complete the survey. BE Heard Mission Australia’s 2021 Youth Survey is open and aims to gain an understanding of the issues facing young people in our area. If you are aged fifteen to nineteen, Mission Australia is asking you to join other young people across NSW and nationwide to have their say. As this age group covers non-voting age it is a unique opportunity and critical that their needs, concerns and aspirations are captured. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Celebrating its 20th year, the Youth Survey is the largest online survey of its kind and provides important insights into the experiences and views of young people. Last year the Youth Survey was completed by more than 25,800 young people including 6639 young people in NSW. Equity, discrimination, COVID-19 and the environment were the most important issues facing survey participants last year. The top three issues of personal concern for young people from NSW were coping with stress, mental health and school or study problems. More than four in ten respondents from NSW indicated they were extremely or very concerned about coping with stress. Flexible working hours, more jobs in my local area, and work experience were the top factors that young people from NSW said would help them secure a job. “Our Youth Survey is Australia’s biggest survey of its kind that provides invaluable, current information about the views and sentiments of young Australians,” said Mission Australia’s State Director Nada Nasser. “It’s frequently referred to by organisations and governments, informs policies, and gives an insight to families and individuals hoping to develop an understanding of what young people are thinking and experiencing. “As we all know, issues and concerns arising amid the pandemic are ongoing, and the future for young people is uncertain given the shocks produced by COVID-19,” he continued. “The Youth Survey is a vital platform for young people to share their thoughts, concerns and aspirations to form policy and service changes that are important to them. “It provides a meaningful opportunity for young people to have a say in how their future is shaped.” This year’s Youth Survey questions will again focus on young people’s housing situation, disability and experiences of discrimination, along with new questions to better understand the impact of COVID-19 and stress management. To take part in the survey, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. By Sandra MOON