Platform for Research and Interventions in youth Mental health and the Environment (PRIME)
PRIME is an NHMRC-funded research platform co-led by A/Prof Caroline Gao (Orygen, University of Melbourne) and A/Prof Rebecca Patrick (University of Melbourne).
PRIME accelerates the development, evaluation and implementation of group-based interventions addressing climate-related mental health impacts in young people (12–25 years).
EcoConnections Feasibility Trial: developing a green social prescribing program
This project is led by the University of Melbourne, Orygen, and Museums Victoria. EcoConnections aims to trial and refine a green social prescribing program for 18-25 year olds who are experiencing climate distress or anxiety.
WHAT DOES THE STUDY INVOLVE
If you decide to join, you’ll be asked to take part in a six-session program (fortnightly 1.5-hour sessions) involving:
- Nature-based group activities sessions at inner-city Melbourne locations including Museums Victoria in Carlton (inside and outside locations with flexibility based on weather) and nearby suburbs such as Burnley, Abbotsford, and Brunswick (all within 5km of the CBD).
- Participation in nature-based activities involves activities such as walking on local trails/in gardens, learning about plants, and creative and art-based activities.
- Connection with other climate-concerned young people.
- Facilitated discussion and reflection in a group setting.
- Surveys and an optional interview to help evaluate the program.
Fortnightly meetings will occur in-person on a Monday afternoon starting in August and running through to October.
ELIGIBILITY
You would be a great fit for this program if you fit the following criteria:
- Aged between 18-25.
- Concerned about the mental health impacts of climate change.
- Feel comfortable connecting with others and in nature environments.
- Open to new ideas and different points of view, even ones that you may not personally agree with
- Can commit to attending at least five of the six sessions.
The expression of interest form should only take 1-2 minutes to complete. You can access it here.
As part of the application, you will be asked to share your contact details in order to schedule a discussion regarding the study and to answer any questions you may have. These casual briefings will take place from July-August 2026.
Thank you for your interest in EcoConnections!
Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about the EOI form or the EcoConnections program.
Validating Measures of Climate Distress and Quality of Life Among Young People in Australia
This research study is about climate change and mental health. It aims to improve how research measures young people's experiences, including emotions and wellbeing.
Who Can Take Part?
You can participate if you:
- Are aged 16 years or older.
- Currently living in Australia.
What Does Participation Involve?
If you take part, you will be required to complete an approximately 25-minute online survey about your wellbeing and quality of life, as well as thoughts and feelings about climate change.
Some questions may feel similar or repetitive. This is intentional, as we are testing how well different questions measure similar experiences. There are no right or wrong answers; we are interested in your honest responses.
Taking part is voluntary. Your responses will contribute to improving how research understands and measures young people's experiences of climate change, which may help inform future research and support efforts.
Your responses are anonymous. If you choose to enter the draw for 1 of 5 × $100 Visa gift cards, you will be directed to a separate form at the end of the survey to provide your contact details. This form is not linked to your survey responses, so your answers cannot be connected to your identity.
If you would like more information about this study, please contact [email protected].