The South Australian Government has launched a Youth Action Plan 2025-2028 for the state, setting out a roadmap of opportunities for young people, particularly those facing isolation, disadvantage and discrimination.
The plan details 27 targeted actions the Government and partner organisations are committed to delivering to improve equity and access across six key areas:
- – Mental health and wellbeing support
- – Connection to services and information
- – Recreation, community spaces and activities
- – Transition to adulthood
- – Housing and cost-of-living
- – Participation
More than 1,000 South Australians, including 854 young people aged 12 to 25, provided input into the plan during three rounds of consultations for the plan.
The creation of an online youth hub is one of the initiatives that will arise from listening to the voices of young people. The hub will be designed by and for young people and be a one-stop-shop to easily find information such as mental health and wellbeing support and opportunities in local communities, said Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the 854 young people who helped shape this critical plan. They’ve shown us the way forward, providing valuable insights from their lived experiences,” said Minister Cook.
“I also sincerely thank the former members of my Youth Minister’s advisory Council whose involvement was invaluable in ensuring this plan truly reflected the voices of young people.
“We heard loud and clear during consultations that transitioning into adulthood is a major challenge for many young people. ‘Adulting’ can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re providing these grants to help equip young people with practical life skills that will help them confidently navigate adulthood.”
Alongside the launch, the State Government is announcing $250,000 in grants to support initiatives focused on transitioning to adulthood, including building the capacity of learner driver programs.
The SA Youth Action Plan (YAP) Life Skills Grants offer up to $15,000 for organisations working with young people across metropolitan and regional South Australia.
The funding will help create or expand programs that teach essential life skills, including navigating government services, resume building and interview preparation, healthy lifestyle choices and nutrition and practical skills such as car maintenance, meal preparation and basic home upkeep.
Applications are now open and will close at 3pm on 4 June 2025. This funding follows $180,000 delivered in 2024 to support mental health programs for young people, especially in regional and remote areas.
For more information on the Life Skills Grants and the Youth Action Plan, visit:Â dhs.sa.gov.au/YAP.
