This Health Research Council (HRC)-funded research explores the challenges, barriers, opportunities, and strategies for improving the quality and utilisation of mental health support services in secondary schools across Aotearoa. Focusing on the help-seeking process, a crucial step in youth engagement with mental health services, the study aims to identify effective practices and areas needing improvement in how schools deliver mental health support to young people.

The study examines why young people in Aotearoa may hesitate to seek help for mental health issues despite the availability of support services in schools. Involving eight secondary schools, the research includes interviews with 30 school leaders to uncover the barriers and enabling factors affecting the effectiveness of school-based mental health services. The goal is to enhance student well-being by addressing the challenges and strengthening the current service delivery practices.

Any questions? Contact Valerie at valerie.sotardi@canterbury.ac.nz.