Engagement means being involved and connected with others. For young people, it's important to stay engaged as it helps them grow into successful adults. When young people feel like they belong and are appreciated by their community, friends, and family, it helps them live a good life. One of the best ways to help young people is to give them good advice about managing their money. This can have a positive impact on their employment, well-being, and education. When we work to improve youth engagement in local communities, it can have good effects such as better finances, more job opportunities, and improved mental health.

However, the debate on youth engagement is often approached from a view of the point of disengagement: as a problem in urgent need of fixing. This shines over the involvement of engagement by channelling efforts on one symptom of disengagement, rather than judging all possible contributing factors. The differences in the features of rural areas vary across areas. For e.g. in the Pilbara compared to South-West Australia thus making it difficult to address with one policy.

Financial stress

According to research by “ReachOut Australia” and “Mission Australia”, financial stress can affect young people. In fact, financial stress developed in young people due to unemployment makes it hard to afford their basic wants. Financial stress can lead to living a broken life, experiencing a lack of food, and being overwhelmed by excessive debt.

For those who relocated from a regional to a metropolitan area for further education, financial stress was more evident. Young people find higher costs of living in the cities. They said that it forces them to combine their academics with work in order to balance some of their bills.

Concerns about employment

Youth unemployment is a major issue in Broome and Busselton. Many young people in these regional areas face challenges when seeking employment while still attending school. Unfortunately, there are very few job opportunities available for young people, and those that do exist are often given to older workers who are available to work during school hours. This is particularly difficult for young people who are involved in sports or other extracurricular activities, as potential employers may be hesitant to hire them.

The available job options in Broome and Busselton are quite limited and mostly confined to places such as pubs, petrol stations, and supermarkets. In the absence of financial advice for young people, many are left with no other options but to travel long distances to find work or reduce their academic workload.

Normally employers want experienced staff. So, young people struggle to find work. However, they cannot get experience due to limited opportunities. Young people want employers to give them a chance and train them up.

World Mental Health Day (October 10) – is to create awareness and also destroy the stigma around people with mental health issues. It’s worth remembering that at least 3 million Australians suffer from some form of anxiety or depression. However, only about 35% get treatment.

A 2015 survey by the Australian Psychological Society Stress and Wellbeing in Australia has shown that financial issues are one of the major causes of stress. It is common in young people due to unemployment. A survey by CoreData and Financial Mindfulness discovered that one in three Australians suffer from financial stress.

Everyone experiences stress. It is part of our daily life, but sometimes, it can result in mental health conditions. We all experience stress differently. What might be a stressful situation for me might not be to you. However, there are a few life challenges that most people find stressful. They are financial and employment problems, personal health issues, and relationship problems.

Financial problems such as unemployment, under-employment, retrenchment, or not having sufficient funds to meet one’s needs or pay for basic expenses, taking on a mortgage, credit cards, and other debts, might cause stress. It is important to note that low-income earners often experience high rates of stress.

Managing financial stress is important as it worsens or triggers mental health conditions.

Sometimes, young people feel embarrassed to seek help. But you should know that anyone can experience financial stress. It is better to seek help and advice on how to overcome financial stress. Without delay and rather than letting it expand to the extent where it impacts your mental health.

Seek advice from family members and trusted friends or you may employ the services of a professional financial counsellor who will assist you to review your finances.

You may obtain the service from a professional who can assist you to manage or reorganise your budget, and offer advice on debt repayment. Consider approaching your bank, Centrelink or a mentor or elder who has your trust. If you have any underlying mental health condition, please speak with your doctor for more financial advice for the young people(you can contact our service – 08 9467 2272), NDIS social worker or psychologist and raise your financial concerns.