In this newsletter I am sharing another excellent online resource available to parents and their children.

Whilst the content of these resources is likely to meet the needs of older children, my hope is that this newsletter will help parents to develop their awareness of mental health services so that there is a full understanding of the options available to young people.

The resources discussed in this newsletter are from Whāraurau, which is a national centre for Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ICAMH) workforce development. The 'Drive' series of video resources: Mental Health Services, is designed to help young people and their whānau understand child and youth mental health services. Each video is around 5 minutes long and shows examples of different kinds of therapies and clinicians who work in these services.

One series of videos focuses on what clinicians do, including Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Social Workers. Another series focuses on different types of therapy that could be offered to children, young people and their whānau, for example Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Family Therapy. There is also a series of videos looking at the role of medication and how it is sometimes prescribed to assist with anxiety or depression. All of the videos do an excellent job of explaining the services whilst also giving rangatahi, young people, a clear voice. For example, in the video discussing anxiety and medication, the young person interviewed talks about “Taking medication for a mood disorder doesn’t at all mean you are weak. Sometimes it can be a bit harder before it gets better.”

I hope that these resources are useful for you as a parent to develop your understanding of the mental health services available to young people. They may also be useful if your son is anxious about accessing mental health support. I am of course always available to talk further about the support available through Medbury. In terms of the support at School, this newsletter may also be of use: Talking with your son about the option of counselling support

Jenelle Hooson

Jenelle is a Registered Provisional Member with NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors).

If you wish to discuss the services the School Counsellor can provide, please see your son’s homeroom teacher or Scott Johnson: scott.johnson@medbury.school.nz.