As part of the programme, Clearhead launched a new content series with former All Black and Clearhead ambassador Nehe Milner-Skudder (Ngāti Porou, Tapuika), which aims to encourage more open conversation about mental health among Māori people. The firm also made several culturally appropriate upgrades to its website.
The content features Milner-Skudder sharing details of his personal mental health journey and the tips and strategies that helped him overcome his struggles, including the importance of reaching out to others for support.
Clearhead CEO Angela Lim said that Māori populations are consistently overrepresented in Kiwi suicide statistics and are twice as likely to experience mental health issues as non-Māori. However, most mental health resources available in New Zealand are not designed to address these inequities.
“It’s important to note that the loss of indigenous culture and heritage can lead to challenges with identity, confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging,” Lim said. “We know from our own user data that Māori are 75% more likely to feel as though they don’t belong – and some of that comes down to not having adequate culturally responsive wellbeing support. We wanted to help bridge that gap and respond to the feedback of our Māori users, who want to see content that looks and sounds like them to improve the chances of the material resonating.”
The videos will be released via Clearhead’s website and Facebook page during Mental Health Awareness Week. Clearhead’s redesigned website incorporates Kiwiana designs and includes a more holistic wellbeing journey, taking into consideration Māori models of care such as Manaakitanga – a principle that embodies caring, supporting and uplifting others.
“While mental illness doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone, at any stage in their life, we know Māori are 30% more likely [to] go on with these conditions undiagnosed compared to other ethnic groups,” said Amy Tribe, executive officer of nib foundation. “By funding the development of these resources through our foundation, we hope to help reduce some of the stigma around seeking support and promote Māori feeling more comfortable and empowered to seek help if and when it’s needed.”
