A new mental-health pilot programme, funded by hospitality group the West Auckland Trusts, will see more than 20,000 students at 30 West Auckland schools given access to early intervention technology – to help them get immediate support with a range of personal issues and crises.
Teachers will receive real-time insights from the Pulse platform, which can be accessed by students on their devices.
The technology provides an early warning system to identify students who may require immediate support with a wide range of personal issues and crises.
Donna Nee, tumuaki (principal) of Henderson North Primary, says for tamariki, speaking out can be associated with stigma and they may be taught to suppress their emotions.
“We know that our tamariki are carrying the weight of their whānau in terms of the social and financial issues faced in the current economic situation.
“In that dark space, this technology is a way for them to reach out when they can’t say what they’re feeling or they can’t demonstrate in their behaviour how they’re feeling, or they don’t know how to connect to someone to reach out for help.
“Our children are growing up in the digital world so they’re very used to this kind of technology and they use it well.
“I look at it as giving them ‘He reo i roto i te pouri’ – a voice from the depths of the darkness.”
Allan Pollard, CEO of The Trusts (pictured), which has funded the $71,000 cost of the initiative, says it is hoped that a successful outcome could see the programme expanded across the region.
“These kids have seen Covid, cyclones, floods and their parents struggle with the cost of living crisis.
“We know that some children can find it difficult to articulate their emotions verbally for a range of reasons which can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress and frustration. Tools like this can assist teachers and educators to invest their time where it’s needed most and provide ongoing support and guidance to tamariki who may be struggling.”
The new platform will be accessible on devices across their region from this week.
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