Address to the House of Representatives, Adjournment - Mental Health

Tuesday 23 May 2023

Young women in the Australian Capital Territory have the poorest mental health of any group in Australia. They feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious and uncertain about their future. Two-thirds feel their mental health is a barrier to achieving their study or work goals. In the middle of last year an organisation called Fearless Women started supporting young women who were unable to meet the challenges of everyday life, wanting them to thrive, not just survive, and to be healthy women who are socially and productively engaged.

This group provides a 50-minute foundation course delivered by Fearless Women educators in schools across the Canberra region. It is, appropriately, called Fearless Future. The course focuses on the importance of wellbeing, self-empowerment and self-values, with girls and young women in years 5 to 10 as the target group. Already 2,000 girls and young women this year have heard that they are not alone, that it is okay to not be okay all the time, and where they can go for help. Currently, 45 participants aged 10 to 25 are involved in the organisation's one-on-one mentoring program. More than half of the girls and young women that Fearless Women assist have experienced some form of domestic and family violence.

This is a program that is already delivering results. Primary carers in the one-on-one mentoring program have seen positive changes to participants' confidence and self-esteem. Participants in the program are actively trialling healthy behaviours. They are showing a willingness to seek help and are having a positive outlook on life. They can see who and what they can be. Additionally, the volunteer female mentors are reporting an improved sense of purpose, wellbeing and connection to community.

Fearless Women relies on the goodwill of its volunteers, as well as on community donations. Last week, as part of National Volunteer Week, I took the opportunity to meet some of the organisation's dedicated volunteers and mentors at a thankyou afternoon tea at the National Museum of Australia. Poor mental health among young women impacts their capacity to study, engage and grow. Their equal opportunity is jeopardised, as is their ability to lead life fearlessly.