ROTORUA, New Zealand – A significant $1 million funding boost has been granted to support the mental health and well-being of young people in Rotorua, New Zealand. This funding will allow the Taiohi Tūrama – Rotorua Centre for Youth to expand its services, benefiting an additional 560 youth who are struggling with mental health challenges.
The funding is a joint effort, with $500,000 provided by the New Zealand Government’s Mental Health Innovation Fund, matched by local contributors including Red Stag Timber and Rotorua Trust, each contributing $200,000.
A Rising Demand for Youth Mental Health Services
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced the funding during a special visit to the youth center. The Rotorua Community Youth Centre Trust, which operates Taiohi Tūrama, has been providing crucial free primary health, mental health, and social services to youth in the area.
Jen Murray, Chief Executive of the Trust, spoke about the growing demand for mental health services. She highlighted that young people today face unprecedented challenges, such as poverty, social media pressures, trauma, intergenerational issues, and peer pressure — all contributing to rising levels of anxiety.
“Young people are struggling all over the place,” Murray stated, emphasizing the importance of offering mental health support during these challenging times. However, she also clarified that not every young person facing challenges has a mental illness. “Everyone’s mental health goes up and down,” she added.
Expanded Services and Workforce
The funding will help the center hire additional staff to meet the increased demand. This includes employing a full-time mental health practitioner and two more youth workers, expanding their current team of 32 staff members. The center’s team includes nurses, doctors, mental health practitioners, youth workers, and other professionals dedicated to supporting youth.
Additionally, the funding will be used to offer mental health first aid courses to 120 local individuals who work with young people. The course will equip these individuals with the skills necessary to provide early intervention when dealing with distressed or at-risk youth.
Murray sees this program as an essential tool in helping to identify and support young people in crisis. “The programme will give people the skills to be on the front line,” she explained, ensuring that youth in need of mental health support have quick access to assistance.
Strong Local Support and Community Commitment
Local organizations like Red Stag Timber and Rotorua Trust have played a crucial role in securing this funding. Tim Rigter, General Manager at Red Stag Timber, explained their commitment to the local community. “We want to support the youth in Rotorua, as they are the future,” he said. Red Stag Timber has long been involved in community initiatives, and Rigter emphasized the importance of providing resources to support youth through various challenges.
Mike Keefe, trustee of Rotorua Trust, echoed similar sentiments, calling the funding a “game changer” for youth mental health in Rotorua. He expressed appreciation for the partnership with Red Stag Timber and gratitude toward the government for supporting the initiative.
Mental Health Innovation Fund
The Mental Health Innovation Fund, established by the government, provides $10 million over two years to support grassroots initiatives aimed at addressing mental health and addiction issues. Taiohi Tūrama is one of the six successful recipients from the first round of funding, joining organizations like Youthline, Sir John Kirwan Foundation, and Mates in Construction. Additional recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.
Minister Matt Doocey affirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in community-based mental health initiatives. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in grassroots initiatives through non-governmental and community organizations that deliver mental health and addiction support,” Doocey said.
Looking Ahead
The next round of funding for the Mental Health Innovation Fund is expected to open in mid-year.
