Training for youth mental health instructors

By Paul Taylor

Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group and Te Pou are looking for 10 locals to become New Zealand’s first instructors of a new Youth Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa programme.

Focused on supporting youth aged 11-18, it will be launched in the Southern Lakes region in June.

Te Hau Toka chair Adell Cox says the programme will be vital in upskilling people working with youth to understand their challenges and how best to support them.

“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.”

Instructor applicants must have proven experience working with youth in a variety of settings. They should have a strong and engaging presentation style, be trusted and deeply embedded in their local communities and from Queenstown, Wānaka, Central Otago or Fiordland.

They also need to be available to complete a five-day training course in June in Queenstown.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an international programme is currently being adapted for New Zealand-specific use by Te Pou (a national workforce development provider for the mental health, addiction, and disability sectors).

Te Hau Toka has funded the one-off development cost. Once the local new instructor training is complete, the programme will be made available nationally through Te Pou.

It covers common mental health challenges and crisis experienced by young people including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, substance use, and psychosis.

Participants are taught an action plan that provides the steps to provide first aid to a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. It also covers how to communicate with young people and outlines professional support pathways.

Once the instructors pass the course, they will be certified to train other adults to become Youth Mental Health First Aiders. Those working in schools, sports clubs and youth groups, as well as youth caregivers, parents and whānau, will be a particular focus.

Te Pou Chief Executive Rae Lamb says there is a real need for targeted support.

“We know that about half of mental health challenges occur before 18 years of age and that early intervention can reduce the impact.

“Ensuring adults working with youth have the skills and confidence to provide first aid to a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis will make a huge difference to the outcome.”

For more information, including the criteria and how to apply, please visit www.tepou.co.nz/youth-mhfa-aotearoa-instructor-expression-of-interest.