Lay summary
The aim of this research is the improving the mental wellbeing of Pacific youth through co-creation and evaluation of a digital tool. This has an enormous potential to reach a large population of Pacific youth who would otherwise be unable or reluctant to access face to face support. If developed appropriately, digital tools are easily scalable and modifiable. This could mean translation into various Pacific languages and even potentially rolling out the tools in the Pacific nations. The aim is to inform clinical practice and encourage the use of computerised/e-therapy in ways that can enhance Pacific mental well-being through this research. Not only will this be extremely valuable as it would be the first study in NZ and worldwide, but it aims to improve the accessibility and financial constraints of therapy and striving to address other barriers of stigmatisation that is associated with having mental health and wellbeing needs.
This grant was awarded to The University of Auckland but was later transfered to Massey University.