May 23, 2023
Mental health plan value after natural disaster
Barnardos supports Mana Ake, the school-based rangatahi programme in cyclone-hit Tairawhiti and Hawke’s Bay.
Child and family services general manager Jo Harrison says Mana Ake recognises the impact of major crisis events on the mental health and well-being of children.
Barnodos trialed it in Canterbury after the Kaikoura earthquake, and a 2020 review found a direct improvement in tamariki mental health, educational attainment and physical health.
“For a financial perspective it was found that for every dollar invested in Mana Ake there is a return of $13.32 which is amazing if you think of that early intervention, investing where we need it to prevent those problems getting worse down the line,” Ms Harrison says.
Barnados provides a range of early prevention and intervention family support services in Tairawhiti region and are keen to support other organisations in Hawke’s Bay.