The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, in partnership with the Bupa Foundation, has released new research revealing the impact nature-based activities have on the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
The research highlights how participation in the Kookaburra Kids Regenerate program, funded by the Bupa Foundation, led to notable psychological benefits such as a reduction in stress levels and restoration of attention for young people impacted by family mental illness.
Approximately 23% of young Australians are impacted by family mental illness , and these young people are up to three times as likely to go on to develop a mental health condition themselves. Programs like Regenerate are vital to provide young people with knowledge and skills to protect their mental health and wellbeing and prevent the onset of mental health conditions.
The study underscores that Regenerate’s nature-based activities, through both camps and activity days, not only provide immediate benefit but also contribute to key protective factors for long-term mental health and wellbeing.
Key findings from the research include:
- Restored attention: Nature-based activity days showed the largest psychological effect in the restoration of attention, helping young people regain focus and reduce mental fatigue.
- Reduced stress: For participants attending the Regenerate camps, the most significant benefit was a reduction in stress levels, providing them with a calming and restorative experience.
- High engagement and future interest: An overwhelming 92% of participants from the activity days and 95% from the camps indicated they would like to attend another program in the future, demonstrating the strong desire for continued access to nature-based mental health support.
“The findings clearly demonstrate the tangible benefits of nature for young people’s mental health,” said Caley Tapp, the research consultant behind the study. “These positive outcomes speak volumes about the power of outdoor experiences in promoting psychological wellbeing and should be considered as a core component in future mental health interventions.”
Inkah Fischer, Kookaburra Kids Head of Clinical Delivery, also underlined the importance of environmental engagement in improving the mental wellbeing of young people.
“With a clear reduction in stress levels and improved mental capacity, this research highlights the link between interactions with our natural environment and our ability to re-regulate our wellbeing. Programs like Regenerate are leading the way forward in what it means to be healthy inside and out,” Fischer said.
Young people who participated in the program shared their own experiences:
- “Because I had a lot of fun there and it was good for me to spend a while in nature.”
- “It is great to learn and know you are not alone. It helps me feel a part of a community, a belonging :)”
- “Super fun and great for your wellbeing!”
Roger Sharp, Bupa APAC Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, said the research reinforces Bupa’s commitment to helping young people live happy and healthy lives through interacting with nature.
“We are proud to work with Kookaburra Kids in rolling out engaging early intervention programs designed to support young individuals affected by family mental illness through nature-based programs,” Sharp said.
Kookaburra Kids and Bupa are committed to furthering this important research and expanding their programs to reach more young Australians in need of mental health support. This research marks a significant step forward in understanding how nature can be harnessed as a powerful tool for positive mental health outcomes.
Access the full research article here.
Read also: Developer invests $10K in local youth mental health
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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