Exploring the needs of youthNovember 2017
During the month of November the Shire of Manjimup is asking youth to share some information about their lives and lifestyles with a youth questionnaire. The aim of the questionnaire is to help the Shire understand how they might contribute to assisting young people meet the challenges associated with their age groups and with living rurally and remotely. To find out where there is a need and how the Shire might contribute to filling the gap the questionnaire requests input around such topics as study and their work, physical and mental health and transport and accommodation.
Shire President Paul Omodei commented "The Shire of Manjimup aspires to be a youth friendly community, which is defined as a community where young people are treated with respect and where they feel safe, welcome and included. It is a community that encourages and recognises the participation and contributions of young people, supports youth development and provides youth-friendly services, facilities and programs."
With 1 in 4 people aged 16-24 years in Australia experiencing a mental disorder within the last 12 months and suicide being the leading cause of death in young people and children aged 5-17 (19.3%) the Shire is keen to gain an insight into how our younger community members are faring to find out what services, activities and advocacy would best benefit them.
"We aspire to keep our youth engaged and content to stay within the region and to provide services that they connect with, this survey will go a long way in helping us ascertain their needs and desires," added Cr Omodei.
The questionnaire can be accessed here or a paper copy can be can be obtained at the Shire of Manjimup Offices on Rose St, all libraries within the Shire of Manjimup, the Manjimup Community Resource Centre and the Manjimup Family Centre. To thank those participating in the survey a draw will be conducted in December where participants can win a $100 pre-paid visa card.