New study shines a light on the psychological benefits of nature-based activities, including stress reduction and attention restoration, through Kookaburra Kids Regenerate Program.

The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, in partnership with the Bupa Foundation, is excited to announce the release of new research, revealing the impact nature-based activities have on the mental health and wellbeing of young people. The research highlights how participation in the Kookaburra Kids Regenerate program, funded by the Bupa Foundation, led to notable psychological benefits such as a reduction in stress levels and restoration of attention for young people impacted by family mental illness.

Approximately 23% of young Australians are impacted by family mental illness and these young people are up to 3 times as likely to go on to develop a mental health condition themselves. Programs like Kookaburra Kids’ Regenerate program are vital to provide young people with knowledge and skills to protect their mental health and wellbeing and prevent the onset of mental health conditions.

The study underscores that Regenerate’s nature-based activities, through both camps and activity days, not only provide immediate benefit but also contribute to key protective factors for long term mental health and wellbeing.

Key findings from the research include:

• Restoration of Attention: Nature-based activity days showed the largest psychological effect in the restoration of attention, helping young people regain focus and reduce mental fatigue.
• Reduction in Stress: For participants attending the Regenerate camps, the most significant benefit was a reduction in stress levels, providing young people with a calming and restorative experience.
• High Engagement and Future Interest: An overwhelming 92% of participants from the activity days and 95% from the camps indicated they would like to attend another program in the future, demonstrating the strong desire for continued access to nature-based mental health support.

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