Researchers, policymakers, service providers and young people came together at the Youth Health Summit in September to discuss health research priorities for young people.

Coordinated by Menzies School of Health Research, the Youth Health Summit was funded primarily by Menzies’ HOT NORTH collaborative program, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Northern Australia.

Menzies Senior Researcher Dr Renae Kirkham said the summit enabled young Territorians to raise their priorities for health and wellbeing research.

“In collaboration with young delegates, service providers, policymakers and researchers, a declaration was agreed upon. It identified four major priorities and calls to action to achieve a healthier, safer future for all young Territorians,” Dr Kirkham said.

“These included: mental health, sexual health, equitable access of support services, and climate change.”

Some 60 young people from Darwin and regional and remote centres in the Northern Territory attended the event with funding from Northern Territory Public Health Network (NTPHN) supporting young people from regional and remote areas to attend.

NTPHN chief executive officer Nicki Herriot said youth health and wellbeing were critical to adult life and the next generation.

“It is well documented that intervening at this stage in life can have a triple dividend of success,” Ms Herriot said.

The Northern Territory Youth Health Declaration, which identifies the top four priorities for youth health and wellbeing is available here.