New Early Intervention Mental Health Pilot to Launch in Auckland Schools

Impact PR is one of the few specialist healthcare PR agencies in New Zealand, working extensively with patient advocacy groups, healthcare providers, treatment facilities, cancer diagnostic services, pharmaceutical companies and medical device suppliers in the sector. This week, their client, made nationwide headlines following the release of details of an early intervention mental health pilot for over 20000 primary and secondary students in the Auckland region.

Impact PR was on hand during the production to coordinate the media opportunity – leveraging it in local media for their client. Positive media coverage was seen in a wide range of high-reach titles including the New Zealand Herald.

See more below and read the full story:

Thousands of Auckland tamariki and rangatahi are set to gain from a new mental health pilot programme that employs early intervention technology to offer immediate support.

As part of the initiative, over 20,000 pupils across 30 primary and secondary schools in West Auckland will be provided with software designed to monitor changes in their mental, social, and physical well-being, and enable them to seek help from teachers.

Teachers will receive real-time insights through the Pulse platform, which is accessible to students on their devices. This technology acts as an early warning system, identifying students who may need immediate support with various personal issues and crises.

By regularly checking in with students and collecting data on their emotional well-being, the platform allows schools to proactively address concerns and provide timely assistance.

Donna Nee, tumuaki (principal) of Henderson North Primary, notes that tamariki often associate speaking out with stigma and are taught to suppress their emotions.

“We know our tamariki are shouldering the burdens of their whānau, particularly with the social and financial challenges in today’s economic climate.

“In those dark moments, this technology offers them a way to reach out when they can’t articulate their feelings, express them through behaviour, or find the right person to ask for help.

“Our children are growing up in a digital world, so they are familiar with and adept at using this type of technology.

“I see it as providing them with ‘He reo i roto i te pouri’—a voice in the depths of darkness.

“If they start using this platform at the primary school level, feeling comfortable reaching out and receiving the instant feedback they’re accustomed to from social media, it will benefit them throughout their school years.

“It provides us with valuable insights, reminding us that even when our tamariki are quiet and seem to be doing well, there may be underlying issues that need attention.

“Unfortunately, when not addressed, these issues can manifest in harmful ways. Speaking about them is often considered taboo, as whānau or aiga may view it as a reflection on them.

“So, children are taught to remain silent, to hold everything in.

“The technology also helps preserve privacy, allowing children to speak to a teacher without their peers knowing. This ensures there are no repercussions from whānau, other children, or even teachers, as they can choose who they connect with on the platform,” she says.

Andrew Sylvester, Linewize school well-being specialist and technology provider, highlights that vulnerable children often do not speak up, making it difficult for schools to identify them.

He explains that giving teachers and school leaders insight into a student’s feelings can transform classroom interactions and help them engage more effectively with students before they act out, harm themselves or others, or disengage from learning and their peers.

He adds that educators have reported that the technology helps improve academic outcomes.

“This technology is student-centred, encouraging regular reflection on how they’re feeling and offering help if needed. It also helps students develop the life skills of self-disclosure and self-reflection.

“Students answer five simple well-being questions, and any variations or concerns are flagged for action. When a student indicates they need help, the software connects them with a trusted teacher, school leader, or administrator of their choice,” he says.

Allan Pollard, CEO of The Trusts, which funded the $71,000 cost of the initiative, hopes that a successful outcome will lead to the programme being expanded across the region.

“These children have faced Covid, cyclones, floods, and their parents’ struggles with the cost of living crisis.

“We understand that some children find it difficult to verbalise their emotions, which can lead to anxiety, stress, and frustration. Tools like this enable teachers and educators to focus their efforts where they’re most needed and provide ongoing support and guidance to tamariki who may be struggling.

“We have seen cases where the student check-ins on the platform have allowed schools to intervene and support students who might otherwise have slipped through the cracks,” he says.

Sylvester mentions that the technology was specifically designed for children and aligns with the World Health Organization framework for mental health and well-being.

“Beyond supporting individual student well-being, the insights gained from student feedback will help school leaders collaborate in response to trends observed across the entire region.

“The new platform will be available on devices across the region from this week, and we hope this programme will eventually include students in all New Zealand schools,” he says.