Youth Chat Champions SDGs with Innovative Mental Health Support
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The new multilingual platform advances global goals by promoting well-being, reducing inequalities, supporting sustainable communities, and fostering partnerships.
In a significant move towards supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Youth Chat unveils its groundbreaking text-based mental health support service.
This initiative is dedicated to advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by providing young Australians with confidential, free social support in 135 languages.
Youth Chat’s service directly responds to the pressing need for accessible mental health support, addressing SDG 3 by promoting mental health and well-being among young Australians. By offering support in any language and focusing on inclusivity, Youth Chat tackles SDG 10, aiming to reduce inequalities and ensure everyone, regardless of their background, has access to essential mental health support services.
“Youth Chat’s mission aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” said David Hayes, Youth Chat Founder.
Furthermore, by assisting young people in finding housing and shelter, Youth Chat contributes to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and communities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
The organisation’s collaborative approach with community groups, cultural organisations, and technology partners underlines its commitment to SDG 17, fostering partnerships to achieve these ambitious goals.
“We recognise the critical role mental health plays in achieving overall health and well-being (SDG 3), and we are committed to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by ensuring our services are accessible to all young Australians.”
According to Hayes, their efforts to support those in need of housing and shelter reflect their dedication to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).
“We believe in the power of partnerships (SDG 17) to amplify our impact.”
Youth Chat is a movement towards a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable future. Through its innovative use of technology and commitment to multilingual support, Youth Chat is breaking down barriers and opening new avenues for mental health support and social inclusion.
For more on social and emotional wellbeing, check out the 7th National Social and Emotional Wellbeing Forum.
Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.
