The Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project is rolling out programmes and activities in schools, via health and community services, and online to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
Projects in action online
Common ground: for family, whānau and friends
A place for family, whānau and friends to help our young people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing Read more
... we all have different challenges to overcome. Sometimes it can be good to share experiences, or learn from things that others have been through.
SPARX: a free online tool for young people
SPARX is a self-help e-therapy tool that teaches young people the key skills needed to help combat depression and anxiety. Read more
SPARX uses proven cognitive behavioural therapy techniques in a youth-friendly game format.
Lifehack: a youth approach to wellbeing
The way young people interact and share information has changed dramatically over the last few years with the growth of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Lifehack brings together young people to co-create new social media projects to boost young people’s wellbeing. Read more
‘It starts turning problems that people see in the society around them into opportunities to do something about it.’
Projects in action in schools
School-based health services case studies
School Based Health Services nurses deliver Year 9 HEEADSSS (Home, Education/Employment, Eating, Activities, Drugs and Alcohol, Sexuality, Suicide and Depression, Safety) assessments and a range of health services to students in low decile secondary schools.
Nurses from around New Zealand have shared their stories of quality improvement initiatives in School Based Health Services. These case studies provide ideas for nurses, schools, district health boards and others to improve students’ health.Read more
Youth mentor making a difference to students’ school experience
Behind the smile of a 15-year-old Hastings Girls’ High School student lies a young woman dealing with distress, grief and domestic upheaval. She finds it hard to concentrate on her school work, but every Friday she meets with her Check and Connect mentor, and it’s one of her favourite times of the week. Read more
‘It’s about making a difference in a girl’s life. When you think about quality time, this is it, and that can make a huge impact.’
School-based health services making a difference
Teenage boys can be tight-lipped and keep their feelings and emotions to themselves. Tairawhiti District Health public health nurse Sarah Brown uses a little humour to encourage them to open up during health and wellbeing assessments as part of School Based Health Services (SBHS). Read more
‘We can see what is going on for someone and help them out before a little issue becomes a big issue.’
PB4L School-Wide in secondary schools
The whole school community at Porirua College has been involved in creating a more successful learning environment after taking up the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) School-Wide approach. Read more
‘PB4L has brought real clarity and cohesiveness’
Projects in action in the community
Training in youth mental health
‘… the excellent facilitation and personal experiences shared made the course “real”.’
MH101 is a one-day-workshop training programme designed to increase participants’ confidence in recognising and responding to people who are experiencing mental health issues or distress. Read more