A group of Tauranga students are lacing up their walking shoes in honour of Mental Health Awareness week.

Pefects from Mount Maunganui College, along with prefects from Pāpāmoa College, Katikati College, Te Whare Kura o Mauao, and Ōtūmoetai College, will be trekking up to the summit of Mauao today.

They aim to shine a light on the importance of youth mental well-being.

“We wanted to create an opportunity to raise awareness because so many people face mental health challenges,” said Mackenzie Crawford, a prefect at Mount Maunganui College.

She, along with fellow prefect Lockie Williams, envisioned an outdoor event that would encourage participation and support from their peers.

“Walking around and up Mauao seemed perfect because it invites everyone to join in,” said Williams.

The group plans to set off at 1pm on Wednesday, September 25, gathering first on the grassy area outside the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service Club.

While the exact number of prefects joining in from the other colleges is unknown, Williams is optimistic that many of the 24 prefects from Mount Maunganui College will participate.

“We’ll have a tent set up for everyone to gather and show their support,” he said.

Although Williams and Crawford aren’t personally struggling with mental health issues, they are deeply aware of people who are.

“We want those individuals to know it’s okay to reach out for help—whether it’s talking to someone they trust, like a prefect, or contacting support services like Lifeline Aotearoa,” said Crawford.

Their motivation is clear: “We’re fed up with of mental health not getting the attention it deserves, especially among youth.”

To further advocate for this important cause, the college will welcome Duane Dalton on Thursday, founder of the Tania Dalton Foundation and a passionate mental health advocate, who will speak to students about the significance of mental health support.

Duane was a New Zealand surf lifesaving and sprint kayak rep, married to Silver Fern Tana Dalton who unexpectedly died in 2017 from a brain aneurysm. The Tania Dalton Foundation helps young New Zealanders unlock their talent and achieve their potential.

Everyone is invited to join the prefects on their ascent up Mauao this Wednesday, September 25, at 1pm. Meet them outside the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service club rooms at the corner of Adams Ave and Marine Parade.

Where to get help

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

For counselling and support

Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Need to talk? Call or text 1737

Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202

Grief Support: Call 07 578 4480 during office hours

For children and young people

Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234

What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)

The Lowdown: Text 5626 or webchat

For help with specific issues

Alcohol and Drug Helpline: Call 0800 787 797

Anxiety Helpline: Call 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)

OutLine: Call 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) (6pm-9pm)

Safe to talk (sexual harm): Call 0800 044 334 or text 4334

All services are free and available 24/7 unless otherwise specified.

For more information and support, talk to your local doctor, hauora, community mental health team or counselling service.