Children and young people have spoken about their health and mental health experiences across a range of ACYP consultations starting with those conducted for the NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People. In these consultations with more than 4,000 children and young people, mental health awareness and support was raised as one of the most important issues affecting children and young people in NSW. Health and mental health was also raised in consultations with over 4000 children and young people living in regional NSW.
Since the launch of the Plan in July 2016, ACYP has conducted specific face-to-face consultations with 342 children and young people; and online polls with 2,000 children and young people across NSW to hear their views on what is and is not working in relation to mental health and wellbeing. The face-to-face consultations involved children and young people from schools across NSW including Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Far West and Riverina Murray.
Mental health and wellbeing concerns have also been raised during ACYP consultations with specific groups of children and young people; including socially excluded children and young people; children and young people in juvenile detention and refugee and asylum seeker children and young people.
ACYP has produced a report of the findings from all ACYP consultations and polling relating to the mental health needs of children and young people in NSW. In total, the voices of approximately 12,000 children and young people are represented in this report.
The report on consultations with children and young people on mental health will be available soon.
