Mental health is number one issue for young people

Kids Helpline’s annual summary of the key the issues affecting young Australians, released today, reveals mental health concerns was the number one issue amongst children and young people last year.

WE CARE. WE LISTEN.

The report found Kids Helpline received over 700,000 direct contacts and self-directed help seeking website enquiries from young people aged between 5 and 25 years last year.

The top five issues amongst children and young people were:

1. Mental health concerns
2. Family relationships
3. Emotional wellbeing
4. Suicide-related concerns
5. Dating and partner relationships

Demand for ongoing counselling support for children and young people continues to increase, as counsellors help them deal with severe, complex and often long-standing issues. CEO Tracy Adams

Kids Helpline is 70% funded by those who support BoysTown Art Unions and we are calling for more support from Government/s and the broader community.

We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to fund this essential service. We want young people to get the very best service they can and to do this we need an additional $4 million to meet the demand by increasing staff and investing in infrastructure, new programs and technologies.

It is also important for children and young people to remember to keep trying if they need to talk to someone. They will get through eventually.

Family, friends and the community can help by donating now.