Education

Schools, kura, ECEs, tertiary institutes and other learning environments are key settings for developing the skills, tools and support we all need to enjoy good mental health and wellbeing.
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A youth social action project that empowers rangatahi to create a positive impact by recognising and tackling a mental health challenge within their kura, school and/or community. Read more here  

Schools, kura, ECEs, tertiary institutes and other learning environments are key settings for developing the skills, tools and support we all need to enjoy good mental health and wellbeing. 

Imagine an Aotearoa where all children were taught about mental health from a young age – how to cope with big feelings, what helps make us feel good, how we can support each other and what to do when times are tough. Our country would be transformed.

The mental health of young New Zealanders is an issue of concern for the MHF and many others – that’s why we’re working to equip schools with programmes, campaigns, tools and resources so they can support and enrich the mental health of their students.

Campaigns

Pink Shirt Day

An antibullying campaign that celebrates diversity and creates more inclusive environments.
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Mental Health Awareness Week

An annual campaign to help Kiwis understand what boosts their wellbeing and improves mental healt...
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Programmes

Sparklers

Sparklers is a free wellbeing toolkit full of fun classroom activities for tamariki. Sparklers teaches tamariki how to manage big emotions, draw upon their strengths, connect with others and get ready for learning. Sparklers is run by the All Right? programme, which is led by Canterbury Public Health and the Mental Health Foundation.

Visit Sparklers website
Pause, Breathe, Smile
Originally developed by the Mental Health Foundation, Pause Breathe Smile is an evidence-based school programme designed to equip Kiwi kids with the skills they need to manage the challenges of everyday life. It aims to boost conflict resolution skills, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance self-awareness, and increase overall wellbeing.

For more information on the Pause Breathe Smile programme and how to get it into a school near you, contact Pause Breathe Smile Trust.

Visit website

Resources for schools

Many of our free resources are suitable for school counsellors and others to give to students (with support and guidance). Others help adults, including teachers and counsellors, to connect with young people to have kōrero that counts.

CHUR! All good, bro?

Helping tāne get out of a dark space
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Ko wai ahau? (Who am I?)

A personal safety plan for rangatahi/youth
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Connecting Through Kōrero

A guide for having safe, open, honest and compassionate kōrero about suicide with taiohi/young people.
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Young People's Experience of Discrimination

Remove the barriers for our young people from yesterday, today and tomorrow.

How to get heard

This pamphlet gives you some ideas & places to start when having difficult conversations with your parents or other p...

Don't Give Up Postcard

A postcard to support someone who may be experiencing distress, listing helplines they can call to get support.
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Tihei Mauri Ora Postcard

A postcard to support someone who may be experiencing distress, listing helplines they can call to get support.
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Having suicidal thoughts and finding a way back

Advice from people who lived through suicidal thoughts and suggestions for su...
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Helplines and local mental health services

A directory of helplines and local mental health service contact details.

Personal safety plan

Keep a record of the things you can do and the people you can contact to keep yourself safe.
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Takatāpui: Part of the Whānau

Takatāpui meaning intimate companion of the same sex
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Are you worried someone is thinking of suicide?

Advice for families, whānau and friends who are worried about the suicide r...
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After A Suicide

Information about self-care and how to cope in the days and weeks following losing someone to suicide.
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Your Guide to Planning a Safe Suicide Prevention Event

If you are planning a suicide prevention event, this guide can help you to pl...
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Ko wai ahau? posters

A series of posters that support the use of a personal plan when a rangatahi/young person is experiencing tough times...
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Ko wai ahau? postcard

A postcard to support a rangatahi/young person who may be experiencing distress or tough times. It promotes the use o...
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Poster: Five Ways to Wellbeing (English)

Printable and downloadable posters for your home or workplace.
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Poster: Five Ways to Wellbeing (Te Reo)

Downloadable and printable poster in Te Reo
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Bookmark: Five Ways to Wellbeing (English)

Printable bookmark so you can remember five simple strategies for Five Ways T...

Bookmark: Five Ways to Wellbeing (Te Reo)

Downloadable bookmark in Te Reo
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Compliment Stickers English

Great to give and great to receive. Offer a compliment sticker to a friend or stranger today.
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Compliment Stickers Te Reo Maori

Single sheet of 10 compliment stickers in the reo Maori to brighten someone's day

How to have a safe and supportive kōrero

Guidance on how to have a safe and supportive kōrero with someone who’s go...
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Supporting someone with their safety plan

Guidance for supporting a whānau member or friend with their personal safety...

How to talk safely about suicide

Talking about suicide is important, but it needs to be done in a safe way.