Mission Australia is urging young people aged 15-19 in Ararat to participate in the Youth Survey 2020 before the annual survey closes on Friday.
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This year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mission Australia says the Youth Survey is an essential platform for young people to have their voices heard.
Now in its 19th year, the Mission Australia Youth Survey is the largest online survey of its kind in Australia and provides an important annual snapshot into the experiences and views of young people.
It is an opportunity for young people to speak up about their personal aspirations and concerns, and express the issues they think are important.
Mission Australia state leader Michele Leonard revealed early indications of Youth Survey 2020 results and encouraged more young people to participate.
"This year has brought with it new challenges which we have had to navigate as a nation," she said.
"An unprecedented bushfire season, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for many of us, let alone our young people.
"As you would expect, early responses to Youth Survey 2020 so far show that COVID-19 is coming up as a major national issue affecting young people.
"We are also seeing how experiences of the pandemic are impacting individually on young people's concerns, particularly their mental health.
"As young people adapt to the quickly changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever this year that we gather as many young voices as possible before the closing date of August 14 (Friday)."
Ms Leonard said this year's survey will provide up to date evidence to ensure young people are adequately supported through services and broader policy changes.
This year, the survey will continue to have a focus on mental health and wellbeing, with a further look into how young people seek help.
The Youth Survey asks new questions around discrimination and transition to employment, along with financial concerns and exclusion.
Mission Australia's Youth Survey Report 2019 showed young Victorians nominated mental health, the environment and equity and discrimination as the most critical issues facing Australia today.
To take part in the survey, visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey.
The survey results will be released in late November.
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