Source: South Australia Police
With a ringside seat to the dramatic increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Western Australia, Elizabeth Newnham, Associate Professor in Population Health at Curtin University, was keen to explore their impact on mental health – particularly for young people experiencing multiple events.
Research indicates that children and adolescents are at significantly higher risk of mental health impacts than adults following natural disasters, with recovery often prolonged and symptoms lasting for months or even years post-event.
Backed by Healthway’s strong commitment to community health and wellbeing, Associate Professor Newnham and her team set out to find an innovative way to build young people’s resilience and social connection. From day one, they made it their mission to put young people at the heart of the project.