Necessary Trouble 2026 Project - Phase 1

This report was prepared by the Centre for Community Child Health for the Necessary Trouble coalition, which is auspiced by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

The purpose of this report is to identify the themes that children and young people (aged 5–12 years) consider most important to their wellbeing, with ARACY's Young and Wise report (2024) serving as the primary evidence base, and to validate these themes against additional data provided by members of the Necessary Trouble coalition; a consortium of not-for-profit organisations with a shared interest in improving outcomes for children. Particular attention was given to Kids Helpline data provided by yourtown, as a current source of children’s priorities and given yourtown’s role in facilitating the next phase of work with its Youth Network.