When Nahri first came along to Young Life’s WyldLife Club in 2019, she was standing at the edge of a big transition, about to start high school and feeling the sting of loneliness. Like so many young people, she longed to connect, belong, and be supported.
Sadly, loneliness is something too many young Australians know all too well. Despite being the most digitally connected generation in history, many still feel deeply disconnected. Research from Ending Loneliness Together shows that 43% of young Australians aged 15–25 feel lonely – that’s more than 2 in 5; and 1 in 7 experience persistent loneliness lasting two years or more.[1]
That’s why, at Young Life Australia, we’re passionate about meeting young people where they’re at, offering a safe place to belong, a community that welcomes them as they are, and leaders who genuinely care. 💛
Leaders like Darlene, Petelo, and Richard have walked alongside Nahri over the years, showing up consistently, encouraging her through life’s ups and downs, and letting her know she is seen, loved, and valued. Through WyldLife and Young Life Clubs, Nahri found a place where she could truly be herself, and that belonging has made all the difference.
Over time, Nahri has not only built friendships across the country through Young Life’s summer camps, but she’s also invited her own friends to come along, so they too can experience the same joy, hope, and sense of belonging.
My first year of summer camp was in 2023. I didn’t know what it was about, but it was so much fun meeting new people.
Young Life has helped me meet so many people who love and care for me. It’s a great opportunity for young people who are discovering God or want to discover more.
Young Life is really amazing. – Nahri
At Young Life, we know loneliness doesn’t just happen when someone is alone. It can happen in a crowd, when there’s a lack of genuine connection. Barriers like mental health struggles, social media pressure, exclusive social spaces, cultural or identity challenges, and even the high cost of living can make it harder for young people to find real community.
That’s why our local Young Life teams create safe, inclusive, and fun environments where every young person can be known, supported, and encouraged to grow in confidence and faith.
And it’s not just young people, 1 in 3 adults in Australia experience loneliness too. Together, we can help change that story.
Like Nahri, thousands of young people are longing for connection, belonging, and hope. So in the month of October, we are aiming to welcome 35 new monthly donors at $50 a month. Would you consider being one of those 35 people to help young people just like Nahri experience friendship, joy, and hope through Young Life?
Would you consider partnering with Young Life Australia today?
Your support helps us reach more young people like Nahri, offering them the community, friendship, and faith they’re searching for.
Young Life Australia is a registered charity and all gifts $2 and over are tax-deductible. All gifts are directed to the area of most need if a target is met.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and recognise the trust you are placing in us. Any information that you provide to Young Life Australia remains private and is only used for the purposes outlined in our privacy statement available here.
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[1] Ending Loneliness Together (2025). A Call for Connection: Understanding and Addressing Youth Loneliness in Australia. https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/a-call-for-connectionunderstanding-and-addressing-youthloneliness-in-australia.pdf