An internationally-acclaimed youth mental health ‘first aid’ programme’s being piloted in the Southern Lakes, then rolled out across New Zealand.
Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group’s funding Te Pou — a national provider for the mental health, addiction and disability sectors
— to adapt the programme for NZ use.
The programme provides action plans to help youth, aged 11 to 18, experiencing mental health challenges and crises including depression,
anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders and substance abuse.
Once the programme’s adapted, youth mental health ‘first aiders’ will be trained to deliver it in Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Fiordland.
Wellbeing group chair Adell Cox believes this work’s critical for supporting rangitahi now and into the future.
‘‘Prevention and early intervention are key to keeping our communities well, and there’s a real need for more evidence-based, specialised training to support our young people.’’
She notes half of all people who’ll ever have a mental health challenge will experience their first episode before they’re 18.
‘‘Early onset of mental health challenges is a significant predictor for future episodes, but adolescents and young adults are less likely to seek or receive treatment than the wider population.
‘‘This means the adults around them can affect whether or not this help is sought, and how quickly.
‘‘It’s vital we educate those people and give them the knowledge, tools and support to do that.’’
