• New global report released: 82% of people around the world think the political system needs drastic reform to be fit for the future and nearly 70% feel that young people should have more say*
• The Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and The Body Shop join forces to launch highly ambitious advocacy effort
• The Be Seen Be Heard campaign seeks to raise the voice of millions of young people in over 75 countries across six continents

United Nations, New York, 11 May 2022: Millions of young people are missing from public life. With the climate crisis, global conflict and generational inequalities running rampant, the inputs, perspectives and representation of youth are needed more than ever.

Almost half the world’s population is under 30. Yet, they make up only 2.6% of parliamentarians around the world**. The average age of a world leader is currently 62***. Of all the parliaments in the world, 37% do not have a single Member of Parliament (MP) under age 30** and less than 1% of these young MPs are women.

Young people have the right to be included in political decisions that affect them, however, numerous barriers prevent their participation. The Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and The Body Shop are collaborating to change this through the global Be Seen Be Heard campaign to amplify youth voices in public life.

The campaign seeks to create long-term structural changes to decision-making to be more inclusive of young people. It is launched today with the release of a joint report, ‘Be Seen Be Heard: Understanding young people’s political participation’. The report is a snapshot at a critical moment to understand preconceptions and structural barriers preventing young people from participating in public life, along with recommendations to address these challenges for the benefit of societies around the world. The report includes findings from the largest-ever survey carried out by The Body Shop in December 2021, covering 26 countries with 27,043 respondents in total, over half of which were under age 30.

The research found that 82% of people surveyed agree that political systems need drastic reform to be fit for the future. Across the board, 84% of people described politicians as ‘self-interested’ and 75% of people surveyed think politicians are corrupt. Three quarters of people under age 30 felt that politicians and business leaders have ‘messed things up’ for people and the planet.

The majority, two in three people, also agree that the age balance in politics is wrong, with 8 in 10 people of all ages believing the ideal voting age (the age when someone can first vote) is 16 to 18, despite that in most countries around the world the voting age is 18 or over. A third of those under age 30 surveyed would consider running for office versus only a fifth of those over age 30. People across all age groups agree that more opportunities for younger people to have a say in policy development and/or change would make political systems better.

Jayathma Wickramanayake, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth says, “The intergenerational gap in power, influence and trust constitutes one of the biggest challenges of our time. As young people have made abundantly clear through their activism on the streets, in civil society and on social media, they care deeply about the transformational change needed to create more equal, just and sustainable societies. Participation is a right, and a lack of youth representation where decisions are made contributes to a growing mistrust towards political institutions and a sense of alienation from elected leaders, caused by policies that do not reflect the priorities of youth, mirror their concerns or speak their language. This campaign is an opportunity to change that.”

David Boynton, CEO of The Body Shop says, “Our position is clear. The world’s problems cannot be solved by the same people making the same choices. Our research indicates young people are the most positive about the future, and we need to hear their views and ideas inside the halls of power. We will use our global reach to galvanise awareness and support, as we have in the past. Since Anita Roddick founded The Body Shop in 1976, we have campaigned on issues of social and environmental justice, because we believe that global businesses have a responsibility towards the communities in which they operate. Our last activism campaign of this scale, Stop Sex Trafficking of Young People, changed 24 laws in 24 countries. Be Seen Be Heard is rooted in creating a fairer world with and for young people, and together with the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth – we are on a mission to do exactly that.”

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and The Body Shop push for transformational change  

The report supports the fact that there is a chronic lack of faith in political systems but a clear appetite for more youth representation from all age groups. Learnings such as these will inform grassroots campaign actions around the world. These actions, outlined in the report, include a wide range of structural changes in political systems. Among other actions, young people’s participation in public decision-making could be improved long-term by:

• lowering voting ages
• increasing formal youth representation through youth councils, parliaments, or committees
• removing barriers for young people to participate in public decision-making
• simplifying registration for first-time voters
• improving young people’s leadership skills

Campaigning in 2,600 stores, in over 75 countries, across six continents

The collaboration between The Body Shop and the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth will mean that young people and other stakeholders will be able to engage with the campaign through many routes. Local campaign activations will include partnerships with specific youth-led or youth-focused non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and/or opportunities to support through petitions and other activations.

The campaign is launching globally in May 2022 and will run until mid-2025.

Notes

*The Be Seen Be Heard Global Youth Survey was conducted in December 2021 by Dynata.

This large-scale qualitative and quantitative research surveyed 27,043 people across multiple age ranges, including 14,160 between the ages of 15 and 30, across 26 countries. To ensure high confidence levels and representativeness of findings, participant samples included quotas on age, gender, region and income. The survey additionally ensured a good spread of global geography, with 59% of the world population covered in the sample.

Our Connect for Youth crowdfunding event, powered by The Funding Network Australia, was a great success with $202,100 pledged in support of Triple Care Farm’s Withdrawal, Rehabilitation and Aftercare programs.

It was an incredible night – we laughed, we cried and the generosity flowed – both in the room and online! We are so grateful for everyone’s support.

You can watch the full event replay online here.

Sincere congratulations and thanks to our presenters Sara, Helen and Clare whose heartfelt and inspiring pitches moved us all. Thanks also to our MC, ABC Breakfast Radio announcer, James Valentine.

Thank you also to our major partners Investa and ICAP along with our generous suppliers ASX, StrangeLove, Heaps Normal, Chentannos and Lindt.

There’s still time to make a pledge. Simply click the button below or visit Your event pledge – Sir David Martin Foundation.

If you would like alternate payment options or have any questions please contact [email protected]

Registrations have now closed for our Connect for Youth crowdfunding event – but there’s still time to join our virtual audience on Thursday 7 April from 6.15 PM. Simply log in via this Crowdcast link

Experience the magic of collective giving at Connect for Youth – Sir David Martin Foundation’s annual crowdfunding event on Thursday 7th April, powered by The Funding Network Australia. 

We are thrilled to announce that last year’s brilliant MC, ABC Broadcaster James Valentine, will be joining us again  – bringing all his warmth, wit and compassion to this exciting event.

About James

James Valentine presents Breakfast on ABC Radio Sydney every weekday. He also presents a weekly jazz program Upbeat on Sunday mornings for ABC Jazz.

James has worked for thirty years in all aspects of Australian media. For ABC TV he has presented and produced the arts show The Mix, a reality show for amateur musicians called Exhumed and in the 1980s he was the kid’s TV presenter on the Afternoon Show.

Attend Connect for Youth & make a difference!

On Thursday 16 December a special virtual graduation ceremony celebrated and honoured the students who completed the Withdrawal, Rehabilitation and Aftercare programs at Triple Care Farm in 2021.

Our heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s graduates – your hard work, commitment and perseverance has paid off!

You can watch the full 2021 Triple Care Farm graduation ceremony video below.

We hope this video stands as lasting tribute to the perseverance and hard work of these young people who are transforming their lives – and offers inspiration for others just starting their journeys.

Congratulations to the 2021 graduates, their loved ones and the dedicated Triple Care Farm team – who manage to still deliver the highest quality of support care despite the many challenges thrown their way.

Finally, a special thank you  to our Foundation’s supporters. None of this would be possible without your continued generosity and financial support of Triple Care Farm!

2021 Triple Care Farm virtual graduation ceremony

Learn more about Triple Care Farm

You can more about Triple Care Farm, including details about the application process via Apply for Triple Care Farm – Sir David Martin Foundation

Donate and help young, vulnerable Australians break the cycle of addiction and have hope for a brighter future.

Mission Australia’s 2021 Youth Survey exposes the heavy toll of the pandemic on young people’s health and wellbeing, giving fresh insight into their concerns for the future.

Among the 20,207 teens surveyed nationally, nearly half cited coping with stress and mental health during the pandemic as their top concerns. And 36.8 per cent were “extremely or very concerned’’ about school or study issues.

Stress levels were also high, with 44.5% of young people surveyed saying they felt stressed either all of the time or most of the time.

The survey revealed that gender diverse young people experienced poorer mental health concerns than their peers, with 72.2% of those who identified as gender diverse feeling extremely or very concerned about their mental health. They also shared significant concerns about bullying, emotional abuse and personal safety.

At a glance:

• Top 3 issues of concern: COVID-19 (45.7%), the environment (38.0%) and equity & discrimination (35.4%)
• Top 3 areas impacted negatively by COVID-19:  participation in activities (68.3%), education (62.3%) and mental health (50.3%)
• Mental Health: Four in 10 (41.9%) young people were extremely or very concerned about mental health.
• High stress: 44.5% of young people said they felt stressed either all of the time or most of the time.

In delivering the 2021 Youth Survey, Mission Australia CEO James Toomey stressed the importance of listening to young Australians’ perspectives and including them in key decision-making.

“Now is a critical time to make sure young people are heard. Young people can and should create and advise on solutions that will address issues that affect them, other young people, and Australia. The Youth Survey is just one way of capturing the voices of young people, but they are telling us that they want to feel heard in political and decision-making processes.

“Young people have the answers. It’s a matter of ensuring they are genuinely listened to, included in decision-making processes, and their concerns acted upon. It’s the brightest way forward for us all.”

About the 2021 Youth Survey

The Mission Australia Youth Survey is the largest annual survey of young people in Australia. Now in its 20th year, the survey continues to provide a platform for young people aged 15 to 19 to share their values, aspirations and concerns.

Learn more

For more details about the 2021 Youth Survey download the media release, report and infographic 

As the major philanthropic partner of Mission Australia, our Foundation has raised over $70M since 1990. This partnership has enabled a best practice model of treatment for young people with drug and alcohol addiction. The Foundation is the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, a unique, holistic treatment centre, which each year gives vulnerable young Australians, aged 16-24, a safe place to get well and prepare for new opportunities.

Make a difference

Would you like to make a difference to a young person’s life? Make a Donation here 

Sir David Martin Foundation’s 2020-21 Annual Report is now available online.

The report details the impact of our Foundation’s support for young people in crisis, as the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm.

In 2020, despite the enormous challenges of the pandemic, Triple Care Farm continued to deliver life-saving care for vulnerable young people in a COVID-19-safe way. Highlights include:

Triple Care Farm Participants in 2020

• 114 young people participated in the Withdrawal program at David Martin Place
• 61 young people participated in the residential Rehabilitation program
• 165 young people participated in the Aftercare program

Impact on young people in 2020

• Zero suicide attempts
• 93% in safe housing
• Almost 60% engaged in education and employment or actively seeking
• 91% reduction in chronic drug and alcohol use

The 2020-21 Annual Report reflects on the Foundation’s 30 years of supporting young people in crisis. August 2020 marks 30 years since the death of Rear Admiral Sir David Martin KCMG, AO, RAN, (Rtd), 34th Governor of NSW in August 1990. Sir David was beloved as the “People’s Governor” and touched so many with his humility, service and kindness. His legacy lives on through our Foundation’s support of Triple Care Farm. Since 1990, we have raised over $70 million through the generosity of our supporters who care deeply about young Australians. This support is changing young people’s lives!To find out more about how you can get involved with Sir David Martin Foundation and support our lifesaving work visit our Get Involved page or Donate Now

October is a month where we turn the spotlight to all things related to mental health and wellbeing. In light of the uncertain times associated with COVID lockdowns, restrictions (and their far reaching social and economic effects), the mental health of Australians has been a focal point all year long.

We know that young Australians aged 15-24 years old have felt the significant effects of the pandemic proving to be the biggest issues in their lives in 2020. Most particularly concerning the impact on their education, job losses, experiences of isolation and mental health. Our work with young people in crisis shows that all these factors are common pre-cursors to harmful drug and alcohol misuse.

Tune In to mental health

Mental Health Month is a chance to increase awareness and promote the mental health and well-being of people. The theme this year, ‘Tune In’, is an opportunity to promote the activities and ideas that can have a positive impact on the daily lives of ourselves and others. You can check out some of the tips and activities to ‘Tune In’ here.

The theme encourages individuals to think about their own mental health by ‘tuning’ in and being present. This creates an opportunity to be more aware of what is happening both within themselves and the world around them.

Working to change the bigger picture of mental health.

Mental Health Months work is evidence-based and co-designed with people’s lived experience. With the aim of creating a space that enables people to ‘Tune in to Mental Health Month and help create a world we can all Tune In to (Way Ahead Mental Health Month 2021). Highlighting the importance of good mental health, tuning in to one’s self has demonstrated to help build self-awareness, help make affective choices, reduce the impact of worry, build positive connections, and ultimately encourage help seeking behaviours when needed.

The prevalence of young people experiencing significant psychological distress and the need for action, is higher than ever. This was highlighted in a report released by Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute, Psychological Distress in Young People in Australia, 2021. In attempt to better understand the experiences of psychological distress young Australian’s aged 15-19years old faced.

In 2020, one in four young people said they were experiencing mental health challenges. Of that, more than five times the proportion of young people with psychological distress reported concerns about suicide (31.1% compared to 6.0% of respondents without psychological distress).

By exploring how young people with mental health concerns feel, think and act, the report was able to look at their help-seeking behaviours and pinpoint the important role that friends, parents, external services, schools, and internet apps play in the support of young people in these tough times. Furthermore, emphasising that the feelings of being scared, anxious or feeling embarrassed to get help were the three most commonly referred to barriers that prevent young people from seeking help.

Reaching out for help

More often than not reaching out for help can be the hardest part. Unfortunately, stigma, shame and prejudice all continue to contribute to people feeling unable to reach out and seek help when they need it. That is why as part of this year’s Mental Health Month theme is to provide people with the tools and steps to help shift the world into a safer and more supportive environment for people experiencing mental health distress. You can find out more about how to get involved with Mental Health Month here.

This Mental Health Month, don’t forget to check in with yourself, and your loved ones, and reach out for help or support when needed.

Finding help and support for young people in crisis 

It can be difficult to find the right help for young people in crisis who are struggling with issues associated with drug and alcohol misuse. Make the right decision during mental health month by viewing our list of useful resources to find the right help when needed. Access our Find Help pages here.

Our Youth Recovery Month online panel event on Thursday 23rd September delved into touchy and often taboo subjects surrounding youth addiction, mental health and wellbeing.

The topic of the online panel event was Touchy Subjects – does judgement limit young people’s potential?. 

The event formed part of Sir David Martin Foundation’s new Don’t Judge Me awareness campaign to reduce stigma about youth drug and alcohol addiction.The panel featured a fantastic lineup of guests who are all passionate about the health and wellbeing of young Australians, bringing invaluable clinical, sector and lived experience to the discussion.

Watch the full event recording

Our panelists

Jacinta Tynan – MC

Jacinta is a journalist, former news presenter, columnist, author and homeschooling mother of two. She writes a monthly column for Body+Soul and recently published her fifth book, The Single Mother’s Social Club – inspiration and advice on embracing single parenthood. Jacinta is also one of Australia’s most experienced news presenters,  most recently with Sky News Australia.  Passionate about social causes, Jacinta is patron of the Warrior Woman Foundation and an ambassador for Raise Foundation.Connect with Jacinta 

Dr Suzie Hudson

Suzie is the Clinical Director at the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA). She is an accredited Mental Health Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers and has over 16 years clinical experience in the fields of substance misuse, mental health, forensics, research and evaluation.

Suzie has worked, developed and managed community-based and residential alcohol and drug services both in Australia and overseas. She has a PhD in Public Health and Community Medicine and a passion for engaging with social change.

Connect with Suzie

Professor Dan Lubman AM

Connect with Dan

Elli Reinhard

Elli is passionate about educating and raising awareness on issues affecting young people.

As a Peer Educator for Keep It Safe (KIS), Elli engages with people aged 12 to 24 around alcohol and other drugs minimization strategies and raises awareness on mental health issues.

Elli is Sir David Martin Foundation’s Youth Ambassador and brings valuable lived experience as a Triple Care Farm graduate to her role. Earlier this year Elli was named 2021 NSW/ACT Young Achiever (Health and Wellbeing) and is currently in her first year of a Forensic Science degree.

Connect with Elli

Lucy Stronach

Lucy is the current Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations.

Throughout 2021, Lucy has toured Australia to identify the concerns, needs and experiences of diverse and underrepresented young people, which she will present back to the Australian Government and UN General Assembly.

A graduate of studies in Criminology, Law, and Security, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism, Lucy is a passionate advocate for youth justice in both the domestic and international spheres.

Lucy continues to work in her key interest areas of Indigenous justice, gender-based crime prevention, penology, and evidence-based practice.

Connect with Lucy

Steve Bastian

Indigenous youth mentor Steve is a proud Yorta Yorta man from Albion Park, NSW. In July 2021 he was awarded the prestigious Health Wellbeing and Community Services Student of the Year at the TAFE NSW Gilli Awards, which recognises Aboriginal student achievement.

Steve is now employed in the sector and is deeply passionate about mentoring at-risk Aboriginal children and teens to help them get the guidance he says he didn’t receive at the same age.Connect with Steve

Don’t Judge Me

Stigma, judgement and misinformation are major road blocks to young people and their families seeking help for drug and alcohol addiction. Get involved today with our Don’t Judge Me campaign!

As part of September’s Youth Recovery Month, we are delighted to launch a new awareness campaign to help reduce stigma surrounding youth drug and alcohol addiction.

The “Don’t Judge Me” digital campaign challenges society’s ideas about youth addiction, highlighting the uncomfortable realities behind many young people’s problematic drug and alcohol use, including homelessness, mental illness, family breakdown, abuse and trauma.

We know that stigma, shame and misinformation are major road blocks to young people (and their families) reaching out for help for drug and alcohol addiction. But no one should feel they have to face this alone!

Together, by starting important conversations and breaking down some of the misconceptions about youth addiction, we can help remove these barriers and empower young people to seek help.

Created by Sir David Martin Foundation and leading creative agency The Zoo Republic, the digital campaign is designed to be eye-catching and intimate. By posing the question “Would you judge me for that?” we gently challenge the audience’s perceptions and invite them to consider the bigger picture behind youth addiction.

By encouraging a little more empathy and less judgement, perhaps we can make a positive difference to more young people in crisis?

View the campaign at https://martinyouth.org.au/dont-judge-me/ and follow the discussion on Sir David Martin Foundation’s social media platforms using #dontjudgeme

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter

You can also join the conversation via registering for our free online panel discussion on Thursday 23 September from 5pm. Register now!

Need help?

If you need urgent help right now, please call 000 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for immediate 24/7 crisis support.

The Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 offers 24/7 free counselling and support for people at risk of suicide.

For more details about where you or a loved one can find help and support to cope with youth drug and alcohol use, visit our Find help page