Young people in the Northern Rivers are at risk of poor mental health, disempowerment, and social disconnect – compounded by the effects of recent natural disasters and the pandemic.
- Young Australians, particularly those living in regional areas, are facing many challenges that can lead to disempowerment, poor mental health, and a lack of social connectedness.
- In the past few years, young people in the Northern Rivers have experienced disruptions, including natural disasters like the 2017 floods, the 2019 bushfires, the 2022 flood and storm events, as well as the the pandemic – which have heightened the risk of mental health issues and trauma.
- For secondary school students in the Northern Rivers, over 1 in 3 are at risk of depression and anxiety (according to Northern Rivers NSW VitalSigns 2023), and a further 20% are at risk of trauma-related stress (as reported in the Northern Rivers’ Resilience Survey).
