This year, Sonder Youth Changemakers have been working to create positive change on the NSW South Coast. The group noticed the widespread dependency we have on our smart phones, and the detrimental impact they can have on youth mental health.
Youth mental health is a major issue. On the South Coast it has been made worse by fires, floods and extremely long waitlists for support. So the Changemaker team decided to do something about it.
And so began the The Flip Off Challenge. For 14 days starting June 10, the Changemaker team will be trading in their smart phones for old school flip phones. They will be going without all the dopamine, instant gratification and ease that smart phones allow. They will forego social media, mobile internet, rapid texting, the weather app, even Spotify - going back to the basics of text and call phones.
The challenge has three goals:
1. To raise awareness about the impact of unhealthy phone habits on our mental health
2. To encourage young people to establish boundaries around their phone and social media use
2. To raise money for future Changemaker Projects
The Changemakers Program
Designed by, and for young people, the Changemakers Program is designed to empower young people to create positive change in their lives, and in their communities.
The Changemakers Program aims to improve the mental health of young people in
our region by providing opportunities for support, social connection and positive action. Our participants (aged 14-18) are mentored to design and implement their own community projects. These projects are entirely youth-driven and focus on specific community issues.
In weekly, 2hr workshops, participants take part in personal development and project development workshops, which focus on fostering self-efficacy, connection and resilience.
All the funds raised during the Flip Off Challenge will go towards funding the community projects developed by future Changemakers.
Find out more here.
Sonder Youth Ltd.
Sonder Youth is a youth-led, not-for-profit based on the South Coast of NSW. We provide young people with the tools, knowledge, experience and confidence to be agents of positive change.
Since 2017, Sonder Youth have been running youth empowerment programs to build positive mental wellbeing, resilience and community engagement.
Find out more here.
