Working alongside rangatahi: Insights for practitioners
In this episode, we kōrero with Wiremu Gray about his journey from a challenging childhood to his work today as a counsellor and cultural advisor. Wiremu shares insights from his mahi supporting rangatahi in schools and offers practical guidance for practitioners working in this space. He also introduces the Te Whare Mauri Ora model, an innovative approach to mental health and cultural wellbeing grounded in Te Ao Māori.Wiremu Gray has been working in the space of Māori woodcarving, wellbeing, leadership, supervision, and counselling for over 20 years. He is passionate about changing negative health statistics, especially for Māori. He believes that having a bicultural approach to wellbeing using the Te Whare Mauri Ora model is a positive step forward for institutions and health providers in Aotearoa.
--------
25:35
--------
25:35
Understanding the challenges of rural mental health
In this episode, we talk to Kathryn Wright, who provides some advice for practitioners on handling rural mental health crises and spotlights the specific challenges these communities typically face. Kathryn has studied and worked in the field of rural mental health for 10 years and has experience working with people aged five to 85, in schools and private practice. She is a full member of the New Zealand Association for Counsellors and is on the Community Health Council for Otago and Southland. Kathryn is also an accredited mental health first aid instructor.
--------
14:32
--------
14:32
Early intervention and whānau-centred approaches to youth forensics
In this episode, we’re joined by Enys Delmage and James Gardiner to talk about the current trends in youth offending, and how public perception shapes government policy in thisarea. Enys and James also highlight the importance of evidence-based early intervention and whānau-centred approaches to youth forensics. Enys Delmage is an adolescent psychiatrist based at Ngā Taiohi, a secure inpatient mental health service for young people. He works out of Porirua, New Zealand. He has a specific interest in the interface between young people and the law, and his research is predominantly focussed on the minimum age of criminal responsibility on an international scale. James Gardiner is a forensic psychiatrist working at Tū Māia, formerly known as Regional Youth Forensic Services in Auckland. Most of his work involves delivering in-reach mental health care to the two youth justice residences in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. James has worked as an in-reach psychiatrist in various correctional settings for around 20 years, with the last 10 years working with young people. Resources: Sarah Jane Blakemore – Inventing Ourselves | The Secret Life of the Teenage Brain
--------
37:16
--------
37:16
Minimising drug harm among rangatahi in Aotearoa
*Content warning: Discussion of drug use; addiction.In this episode, we sit down with Ben Birks Ang to explore substance use among rangatahi in Aotearoa. We examine emerging trends and discuss how the Drug Foundation works proactively alongside schools, whānau, and communities to encourage early intervention and improve outcomes. Ben Birks Ang is the deputy executive director, programmes for Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri | New Zealand Drug Foundation. Ben and his team lead projects that bring different sectors together to improve wellbeing and reduce harm from alcohol and other drugs.
--------
37:04
--------
37:04
Māori wellbeing and suicide prevention
*Content warning: Discussion of suicide. In this episode, we speak with Mathew Kiore about his suicide prevention mahi at Te Rau Ora. He shares how he supports whānau on their healing journeys and highlights the importance of building strong, trusting relationships between practitioners and the wider community. Mathew Kiore is manager, Centre of Māori Suicide Prevention at Te Rau Ora. Matt is a hands-on indigenous leader who shares his cultural knowledge to advance wellness outcomes for impacted indigenous communities.
Holding space is a podcast from Whārarau. In each episode, we sit down with people from across the infant, child, and adolescent mental health and addiction sector, and related sectors, to korero about the work, the challenges, and the heart behind supporting our tamariki and rangatahi. Join us as we hold space for honest conversations, shared learning, and collective growth. This podcast is hosted by Dr. Bronwyn Dunnachie and Tepora Pukepuke.
New Zealand