The Greens welcome today's announcement that Youth Action will lead the first statewide mapping of youth spaces across NSW, but say the NSW Government must fund the gaps it finds.
Youth Action will lead the statewide project, funded by the NSW Office for Youth, mapping youth hubs and informal gathering spaces where young people connect, participate and access support across NSW.
NSW Greens spokesperson for Youth and Mental Health, Dr Amanda Cohn, says the findings can only make a difference to young people if the NSW Government commits to funding the gaps it uncovers.
Dr Cohn said the mapping was a welcome first step, which will highlight many of the gaps we already know exist, like safe spaces for young people who are LGBTQIA+, or living in regional communities.
"It will come as no surprise when this mapping project identifies significant gaps where young people don't have spaces to connect safely in the community."
"The government has funded this research project, but they must also commit to funding the gaps that research identifies for it to have any impact."
"This investment would make an enormous difference for the mental health and wellbeing of young people, as well as preventing escalation to crisis."
