Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group is offering five free or low-cost Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Aotearoa courses between January and March 2025, aimed at empowering adults across the Southern Lakes region to support youth mental health.

According to the 2022/23 New Zealand Health Survey, more than half of young New Zealanders aged 15 to 24 experience anxiety or depression, and those with moderate to high distress levels have nearly doubled since 2016/17.

Te Hau Toka’s subsidised two-day courses, run in partnership with local community organisations and licensed workforce provider Te Pou, aim to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to assist young people (ages 11 to 18) experiencing mental health challenges or crises.

This includes recognising signs of depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, non-suicidal self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and psychosis. Participants will also be trained in a five-step mental health action plan to support youth in crisis until professional help is available.

“During our one-year pilot, we focused on training local professionals who work with youth, including social workers, school staff, community agencies, and youth trusts,” Te Hau Toka chair Adell Cox said.

“With 155 individuals certified, we’ve made a strong start and are now the largest group of Youth Mental Health First Aiders in New Zealand.

“These free or low-cost community-based courses will make this internationally recognised, evidence-based training more accessible to parents and others who want to help, equipping them with the tools and confidence to support young people when they need it most. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.”

The courses will be led by up to 10 accredited local trainers embedded in their communities and familiar with local challenges. Their expertise and ability to deliver courses regularly are crucial to the growth and long-term sustainability of the Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa programme.

While this is Te Hau Toka’s final initiative before its funding concludes in the second quarter of 2025, the group’s members - comprising health, local government, the seven rūnaka, and not-for-profit organisations - remain committed to advocating for initiatives like Youth MHFA Aotearoa that foster lasting, positive change.

Te Hau Toka youth specialist Karyn Munro, who played a key role in introducing the programme to New Zealand, will continue as lead regional trainer and as a national Youth MHFA Aotearoa trainer for Te Pou.

“By training more adults across the region and the country, we are strengthening the safety net for our rangatahi and building communities that are more informed, compassionate and prepared to respond to mental health crises,” Karyn said.

There will be a two day course in Wānaka (February 18 and 25), from 8:30am–4:30pm at the Lake Wānaka Centre. Contact Path Wānaka for booking details.

PHOTO: Supplied