Holding space

*Content warning: This episode includes discussion of self-harm, suicide, and online abuse and may be distressing to some listeners. If it brings up difficult feelings, consider reaching out to someone you trust or a mental health professional for support. You can call or text Need to Talk on 1737 at any time for free, confidential support. In this episode, we're joined by Anna Ashton, a lived...

In this episode, we talk to Joanne Lawless from Altogether Autism about her personal and professional journey with autism and neurodiversity. She provides historical context on how disability has been understood and offers practical guidance for practitioners working alongside autistic people and their whānau. Joanne also highlights relevant resources, coaching, and workshops available across Aote...

Philleen Dickson is the Ringa Tohutohu Matua – Māori Lead for Te Pou and in this episode she reflects on the impact of trauma, disconnection from whānau and culture, and the healing power of belonging. She explores how reconnecting with whakapapa, supportive relationships and lived experience shaped her path. For clinicians and anyone supporting tamariki, taiohi and whānau, this episode is a movin...

What happens when we stop asking “ What’s wrong with this young person? ” and start asking “ What’s happening around them?” In this episode, we sit down with Tai Bennett, Youth Consumer Advisor at Whāraurau , to explore what it truly means to centre the voices of taiohi in mental health care. Drawing on both lived experience and professional expertise, Tai challenges us to reflect on power, trust,...

In this episode, we speak with Dr Charlotte Moore, Kaiwhakahaere of Vine (Violence Information Aotearoa). Charlotte shares the story behind Vine, how the organisation connects people with trusted research and resources, and why access to knowledge is critical for practitioners, policymakers and communities. The conversation also explores the wellbeing of children and young people and the ongoing d...

In this episode of Holding space, Shaun Robinson, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, discusses the Foundation’s work in advocacy, wellbeing promotion, and mental health support. He also explores the impact of social determinants such as housing, poverty, discrimination, and social connection on mental wellbeing, and highlights why improving mental health requires action far beyond cl...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood and trivialised, yet it can have a profound impact on children, young people, and their whānau | family. In this episode of the Holding space podcast, clinical psychologist Marthinus Bekker unpacks what OCD really is, and how obsessions and compulsions become a powerful cycle that’s difficult to break. We also explore common misconceptions...

In this episode, Chloé Guinaudie shares her experiences working in youth mental health, including embedding lived experience into services and supporting the development of youth hubs. She explores early intervention, building trust with young people and families, and what meaningful youth engagement can look like in practice. Chloé Guinaudie is a mental health consultant with over eight years’ ex...

In this episode, we speak with Romy Lee from Asian Family Services, who introduces Kia Ora Ake, a school-based mental health programme in Counties Manukau. Romy is a Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) all-rounder, with experience spanning lived experience leadership, clinical practice, sector leadership and service design. She heads the lived experience portfolio at Asian Family Services, leading K...

In this episode, we speak with Dr Kelly Feng from Asian Family Services (AFS). Kelly shares her clinical and leadership journey, her passion for service development, and insights into the wide range of support AFS provides, including mental health, gambling harm, and school-based initiatives. We discuss the challenges Asian communities in Aotearoa face, the importance of culturally safe care, and...

In this episode, we talk to our very own Lisa Maughan to explore the parenting programmes Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme and Incredible Years (IY). Lisa shares how these programmes support parents, caregivers, teachers, and whānau, along with the role Whāraurau plays in supporting workforce training and programme delivery across Aotearoa. Lisa Maughan is a Principal Advisor at Whāraurau,...

In this episode, we talk to Professor Vanessa Cobham, who shares practical insights for parents on navigating conversations with their children about traumatic experiences. Vanessa explores how to strike the right balance between over-discussing and under-discussing difficult topics, and explains why staying silent, or “letting sleeping dogs lie” can often be more harmful for a child in the long r...

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Thorburn, Director at Meth Education and Solution Services (MESS). He reflects on his journey through addiction, time in prison, and eventual recovery, and shares insights into how to better support rangatahi facing mental health and addiction challenges. Peter also examines gaps in the current system, highlighting the importance of building whānau capacity,...

In this episode, we talk to Jessica Apanui about the vital importance of lived experience roles in the mental health and addiction workforce. Jess shares insights from her work on the Mana Over Meth Kura Kaupapa programme and offers guidance for practitioners and whānau on how best to support young people navigating addiction. She also shares personal reflections and advice – grounded in her own l...

*Content warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners. If it brings up some difficult feelings, consider reaching out to someone you trust or a mental health professional for support. In this episode, we speak with clinical psychologist, Catherine Gallagher about sexual trauma – its impact on children and young people, and the different wa...

*Content warning: This episode includes discussion of trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners. If it brings up some difficult feelings, consider reaching out to someone you trust or a mental health professional for support. In this episode, we speak with clinical psychologist, Catherine Gallagher about trauma: what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can show up in children and adults. Sh...

In this episode we talk to Dr Grant Christie about the Substance & Choices Scale and Brief intervention tool (SACS-ABC). This tool was developed by Grant in collaboration with Whāraurau, it is used to assist in identifying young people at risk of AOD problems and to guide brief intervention, further treatment, and/or referral options. Dr. Grant Christie is a child and adolescent psychiatrist s...

In this episode, we talk to Professor Te Kani Kingi about his research and projects, including his involvement in the development of the Te Whare Tapa model of Māori health. He also reflects on trends on Māori health and the impacts of social media on rangatahi in Aotearoa. Professor Te Kani Kingi is the Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi. He was born...

In this episode, we talk to Byron Rangiwai about his journey with ADHD – from early struggles in rigid classroom settings to finding academic success and cultural reconnection later in life. Byron shares insights on how schools and homes can better support neurodiverse young people and introduces his pīwakawaka analogy – a powerful way for young people to reframe ADHD and better understand themsel...

In this episode, we kōrero with Wiremu Gray about his journey from a challenging childhood to his work today as a counsellor and cultural advisor. Wiremu shares insights from his mahi supporting rangatahi in schools and offers practical guidance for practitioners working in this space. He also introduces the Te Whare Mauri Ora model, an innovative approach to mental health and cultural wellbeing g...

In this episode, we talk to Kathryn Wright, who provides some advice for practitioners on handling rural mental health crises and spotlights the specific challenges these communities typically face. Kathryn has studied and worked in the field of rural mental health for 10 years and has experience working with people aged five to 85, in schools and private practice. She is a full member of the New...

In this episode, we’re joined by Enys Delmage and James Gardiner to talk about the current trends in youth offending, and how public perception shapes government policy in thisarea. Enys and James also highlight the importance of evidence-based early intervention and whānau-centred approaches to youth forensics.  Enys Delmage is an adolescent psychiatrist based at Ngā Taiohi, a secure inpatient me...

*Content warning: Discussion of drug use; addiction. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Birks Ang to explore substance use among rangatahi in Aotearoa. We examine emerging trends and discuss how the Drug Foundation works proactively alongside schools, whānau, and communities to encourage early intervention and improve outcomes.   Ben Birks Ang is the deputy executive director, programmes for Te...

*Content warning: Discussion of suicide.  In this episode, we speak with Mathew Kiore about his suicide prevention mahi at Te Rau Ora. He shares how he supports whānau on their healing journeys and highlights the importance of building strong, trusting relationships between practitioners and the wider community.  Mathew Kiore is manager, Centre of Māori Suicide Prevention at Te Rau Ora . Matt is a...

*Content warning: Discussion of suicide. In this episode, we talk to Mark Wilson about how social media can distort our understanding of suicide. Mark also shares insights on how we can better educate people to talk about this complex issue with safety and accuracy. Mark is senior media advisor at the Mental Health Foundation. His commitment to his mahi is deeply personal; he lost his wife to suic...