Almost 2 in 5 young people will experience a mental health issue - something that’s been building for over 20 years in Australia. With rising rent, job uncertainty, student debt, and climate anxiety piling up, young people are feeling the pressure now more than ever. 

For many young people, cost is one of the biggest barriers to getting support. With 60% saying they haven’t been able to access the help they need because it’s too expensive. We know how important it is to reach out for support, and it shouldn’t come down to what you can afford. 

Today, batyr has joined leading youth mental health organisations Orygen, headspace, ReachOut Australia, Prevention United, Black Dog Institute, ARACY, Youth Focus, yourtown and Mission Australia to call for the implementation of a six-point action plan – one that will tackle the youth mental health crisis, reflect the overwhelming public support for action, and most importantly, ensure all young people in Australia can access the mental health care they deserve.

This includes:

• Free access to mental health care for all young people - Ensuring that all children and young people aged 25 and under can access a range of mental health supports, including community-based programs, peer support, early intervention, and postvention.
• Bridging the ‘Missing Middle’ - Create specialised services for young people with more serious and complex mental health needs who currently fall through the gaps of the current system, where they may be too complex for basic help but not in a crisis state enough to warrant hospital care. 
• Investment to build an integrated mental health system - Having more opportunities for youth led collaboration with the government to create social media regulations that prioritise wellbeing and provide access to safe, supportive online spaces.
• Fast-tracked workforce development and investment in digital services - developing and retaining a skilled child and youth mental health workforce, as well as expanding innovative, evidence-based online free mental health supports.
• Increased funding for mental health promotion and prevention - Increased funding in mental health promotion and prevention so young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge to look after their mental health, before a crisis. 
• Support for young Australians in the implementation of new social media regulations - collaborating with the youth mental health sector to develop measures such as access to safe and supportive online spaces.