A recent article released by Te Pou (a national workforce centre for mental health, addiction and disability in New Zealand) emphasises the crucial role adults play in supporting the mental health of young people.
Karyn Munro, a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, highlights the growing mental health challenges among youth, exacerbated by factors like COVID-19 and social media. She advocates for early intervention and equipping adults—parents, teachers, and coaches—with MHFA training to recognise and address mental health issues.
The MHFA programme provides essential skills to support youth experiencing anxiety, depression, and other challenges, fostering a supportive environment for early help and intervention.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
Note, in Term One, 2024, in conjunction with Te Hau Toka and Community Networks LINK Upper Clutha, Path Wānaka presented a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) workshop. Karyn Munro was the MHFA facilitator.