Advocacy
Raising awareness, overcoming stigma
Sparking critical conversations about youth alcohol and other drug use is key to Martin Youth Foundation’s role as an advocate for young people experiencing addiction. We’re committed to removing stigma and to leading with the compassion that inspires young people to reach out for help.
Working together in service of young people
We advocate for young people by speaking up about youth addiction, raising awareness, and connecting community, donors, service providers and sector partners to deliver better outcomes together.
Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable
Around 350,000 young Australians aged 16–24 have a substance use disorder, but they don’t need blame; they need help. That’s why we launched our Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable awareness campaign, which encourages young people and those who love them to have hard conversations about addiction.
Normalising talking about substance use makes it easier for young people to access the support they deserve. Learn how to start a difficult conversation that could save a young person’s life.
Download our conversation starter kit
Learn simple, effective tips to help a young person open up about alcohol and drug use.
Know the facts about youth addiction
An estimated 12.7% of Australian youth aged 16–24 have a substance use disorder. Explore the statistics.
Stay informed
Sign up to the Martin Youth Foundation newsletter to learn more about our work and advocacy in the youth substance use space.
Amplifying real stories and lived experience
The voices and experiences of young people are central to what we do. By connecting with real stories and lived experience, we capture the strength and complexity of young people’s lives and use their insights to guide our work.
Young people stories
Sasha:
When Sasha* landed her dream job at a leading wildlife and conservation zoo, it was a milestone moment in her recovery.
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Saige:
Before arriving at Triple Care Farm, Saige’s life was filled with “lots of fear, lots of trouble,” she says.
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Brett:
Brett was already experimenting with drugs when a family tragedy turned his world upside down
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