An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

There is growing awareness of how mental health challenges can affect children and young people, and the significant role that parents and caregivers play in fostering healthy development and outcomes. Addressing these challenges in rural areas is particularly complex and nuanced. Even with increased funding and resources, the rate of mental health problems continues to grow. The focus on professional services reacting to individual crises is neither sustainable nor cost effective. Whilst there is a range of literature regarding the mental health of children and young people and the importance of the home environment, there is less understanding of what influences the capacity of rural parents and carers to meet the needs of their children. Therefore, a holistic understanding of what influences the capacity of rural parents to provide a healthy family environment is needed.   

This study explores factors that support (or hinder) parents and carers to provide a healthy environment for children and young people, with a particular focus on families in rural areas. A better understanding of the influences that impact rural parents’ capacity to effectively nurture the healthy mental development of their children has the potential to improve overall health, economic outcomes and quality of life. The intention is to assist in directing attention, funds and supports effectively and sustainably and thereby significantly improving mental health and wellbeing in rural areas.