Bridging the 'Missing Middle': Effective Nature-Based Mental Health Service for Young People

Strategic Insights -

A research team at Charles Sturt University has found significant improvements in wellbeing and life satisfaction among adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, thanks to a nature-based, trauma-informed mental health service operating in Northern NSW. The Human Nature program, which provides person-centred mental health support services to young people with moderate intensity support needs, has demonstrated its effectiveness in improving wellbeing, enhancing life satisfaction, and promoting sustained engagement. The research highlights the need for policy innovation to support the expansion of innovative, non-clinical mental health services to cater to the 'missing middle' of young people with moderate mental health support needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Human Nature program showed significant improvements in symptom distress, interpersonal relationships, social role functioning, and overall wellbeing among participants.
  • Across seven domains of the My Mind Star scale, participants reported substantial gains, particularly in self-esteem, time use, and educational engagement.
  • The program effectively engaged vulnerable populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth (27%), LGBTQIA+ (11%), and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities (42%).
  • Most participants attended an average of 26 sessions, with 65% remaining engaged throughout the program.
  • The research team found that young people with moderate mental health support needs face significant barriers to accessing appropriate care in Australia.
  • The Human Nature program offers an alternative to formal institutions, providing care that is suitable for young people with moderate support needs.

Statistics:

  • 20% of 11 to 17 year-olds and 15% of 18 to 24 year-olds experience high or very high levels of psychological distress (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).
  • 27% of participants were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, 11% identified as LGBTQIA+, and 42% came from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
  • 65% of participants remained engaged throughout the 26-session program on average.
  • 42% of participants came from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

Sources:

  • Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
  • Charles Sturt University
  • National Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
  • Human Nature
  • Charles Sturt University Rural Health Research Institute (RHRI)