Getting the Youth Voice heard
With all the issues in today’s world, our young people can feel helpless and anxious. Personally, I’ve found that the best remedy for that feeling is to take action. I have learnt that even one determined individual can make a real difference, even to big institutions like the criminal courts. One of my local goals as the MP for Whangārei is to help young people learn how to connect with their government and advocate for the changes they want.
That’s why I am holding Youth Forums every school term, and inviting our high schools to nominate senior student leaders to come together with their peers and me as their local MP, alongside interesting political speakers.
Last term we heard from Sheryl Mai about making submissions on the WDC Long Term Plan, and Willow-Jean Prime spoke about her campaign on period poverty, which led to discussions at a government level and in 4 years the rollout of free period products in schools. From June this year, all primary, intermediate, secondary school and kura students will have access to free period products. This will make a huge impact on students’ wellbeing and help reduce barriers to education.
The second session, to be held this Friday, is called “Inspiring an Action Plan”. Katy Mandeno,
Community Engagement Lead for Predator Free 2050 will hold an ideas sharing session with Youth about what predator free means to their generation. It is a great opportunity for youth to have their say in what will help form the Predator Free 2050 action plan for Tai Tokerau.
This is a non-partisan initiative, intended to educate and empower our young people of all political persuasions, giving them the tools to get their voices heard and encourage participation in government, now and in the future. If you or a teen you know is interested in attending, please talk to your high school.
Moving onto Government policy, last week I was delighted to welcome Health Minister Andrew Little to Youth Space Whangārei where he announced more local youth will be supported with mental health and addiction services, thanks to the funding of $4.6 million over two years for Northland and Auckland services.
In Northland, Te Kaupapa Mahitahi Hauora Papa o Te Raki Trust will expand its He Kakano Ahau service. He Kakano Ahau is an integrated service which, as well as providing mental health and addiction supports, ensures pathways for youth into wider community support, including social services, if it’s needed.
Additionally more children will be also able to access mental wellbeing support with the Government expansion of Mana Ake services to five new District Health Board areas, including Northland.
The programme provides mental health and wellbeing support for children in primary school years 1–8. Kaimahi (workers) support schools and whānau when children are experiencing issues that affect their wellbeing that can include bullying, parental separation, grief and loss.
Schools are the perfect place to roll out programmes to build mental well-being capability that will benefit children, as well as their teachers, whānau and communities. With the Mana Ake model as a base, DHBs and local communities will codesign services for their areas.
Everybody has a role in supporting their communities and by working together we can all contribute to ensuring the next generation is empowered and resilient to make for a better future.