Twelve Southern Lakes residents have become the first accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa instructors in the country.

They are now trained to deliver a 14-hour programme covering common mental health challenges and crises experienced by young people including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, substance use, and psychosis. 

“Research shows that the Youth Mental Health First Aid course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to assist a young person who is experiencing a mental health challenge,” Te Pou CEO Rae Lamb said.

Te Pou has adapted the international programme for New Zealand-specific users, with funding from Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group.

“The value and relevance of the programme is well recognised internationally so we’re thrilled that, with Te Hau Toka’s help, it is now available in Aotearoa,” Rae said.

Adolescence is the peak age of onset for mental health challenges and half of all people who will ever have a mental health challenge will experience their first episode before 18 years of age.

Early onset of some mental health challenges can increase the risk of future episodes but adolescents and young adults are less likely to seek or receive treatment than the wider population. 

“Our focus is on prevention and early intervention with an equity lens so it’s vital that we give those working with our rangatahi the best world-leading knowledge, tools and support to do that,” Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group chair Adell Cox said.

 The newly trained instructors will now begin delivering Youth Mental Health First Aid workshops across Queenstown, Wānaka, Central Otago and Fiordland,

The next cohort of instructors will be trained in the North Island later this year.

PHOTO: Supplied