HeadStrong Resource Audit Report

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Headstrong

Resource Audit Report
November 2001

 

Background

 

In 2001 Health Action community health promotion produced a discussion document to inform the direction and priorities for their Headstrong youth mental health promotion project.  A key finding was the perceived need for improvements in the provision of information and education about detecting the early signs of depression and seeking help.  The report recommended that this information needed to be targeted at parents, teaching staff, health service staff and young people themselves.

 

In order to get a more informed impression of what information was currently available in Nelson, Health Action conducted an audit.  It should be noted that this was not a rigorous, exhaustive piece of research, but rather a snapshot of current provision.

The objectives of the audit were to identify :

 

Information was gathered from local and national publishers and distributors of resource material on youth mental health.  At a local level, information was gathered from the Maori Mental Health Services, local iwi social services, Nelson Marlborough Health Services Public Health Unit, colleges, Health Action community health promotion, and the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services.

On a national level the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth Affairs assisted us in our exploration of what is currently available. 

 

Key Findings

Resource content and appropriateness

Currently there is a limited selection of resources available locally regarding the detection and management of youth mental health issues.

 

Of those publications that are used locally, very few are targeted at young people themselves.  The Mental Health Foundation's "Getting Up When You're Down" (MHF) is geared specifically for young people and reported as popular.  However, availability is limited as this resource is currently out of print.

 

There are a number of resources published around recognition and management of stress for young people.  However, they do not identify the link between stress and mental illness.  This may be a missed opportunity for accessing services as appropriate assistance may be sought under the less stigmatised semblance of stress.

Our audit indicates that there is a lack of provision of resources targeting Maori adults and Tai-Tamariki, and dealing with depression and anxiety from a Maori perspective.

 

There are resources available to school staff that cover mental illness.  The "Mental Health Matters" resource aims to improve young peoples understanding of their mental health and how to recognise when help may be required.  "Natural High" (MHF and ALAC) is also being used in some local schools.  This resource was produced to raise young peoples awareness of the link between their alcohol and drug use and their mental health.  There is also material that tends to deal with the more serious end of the continuum, such as suicidal ideation and schizophrenia.  However, we do not know how well materials are used in schools.

 

There are quality resources available for adults around identifying and managing their depression.  There is also quality information available for parents around detecting depression in their teenagers.

Distribution

While there are systems are in place both locally and nationally for the dissemination of resources, these may not be effectively maximising access to the materials.

In Nelson most resources dealing with mental health issues are available from the Public Health Unit.  The Unit regularly sends out an order form to local agencies.  However, the system is dependent on the agencies and schools following up and re-ordering as resources run out.

This system also requires agencies and schools to order a resource with no visual connection to it and little idea of the detail and wording. 

Nelson agencies can order resources from national organisations such as the Mental Health Foundation.  However, there are significant limitations due to the lack of access to a resource centre for a broad range of materials.

 

Cost is also a major factor limiting access to resources.  Many resources are not available free of charge.  Organisations who do not carry budgets to purchase resources are heavily dependent on those that do, such as the Public Health Unit, for supply.  Financial constraints at PHU's in turn limit the numbers that they can supply.


 

Recommendations

1.     That nationally produced mental health resources regarding depression are more widely and consistently accessible in Nelson.

 

2.     That relevant local bodies collaborate to set-up and maintain an effective system to increase agencies, organisations and schools access to the mental health resources currently available.

 

3.     That relevant national organisations are alerted to the gaps in appropriate health promotion resources for young people and Tai-Tamariki regarding detecting depression and accessing help.

 

4.     That Health Action investigate options and possibilities around producing local resource/s alongside key local agencies and young people.

Health Action would ensures that where appropriate, any local initiatives are linked to national policy, strategies, campaigns and programmes.
Health Action would work collaboratively; utilise existing resources; and focus enhancing the capacity to create sustainable long-term change. We would also work to ensure that any strategies are culturally and developmentally appropriate to young people.