Youth in Action Horowhenua say it's time to step into mental wealth

Youth In Action are a diverse and multicultural group of young people who are willing to ask the questions and address the issues around mental health.

A Levin-based group wanting to support young people in their mental health journeys, Youth in Action (YIA), are well on the way to holding their first awareness-raising event.

Stepping Into Mental Wealth is a community fun run/walk the group are organising for Saturday October 9, with the theme "we sweat for your mental wealth" said Taua Faavale, who is one of the group's founders.

Youth In Action are a diverse and multicultural group of young people wanting to address the issues around mental health.

YIA held their first public meeting a few weeks ago where they were able to connect with locals who could offer specific assistance.

Earlier this month the group also had a fundraising supper, which was cooked up at Faavale's home, "there was great support from the community," she said, "we even got orders from the neighbours because they could smell the food."

Horowhenua College students eager to be part of the new youth-led support group Youth in Action - photo supplied by YiA.

Faavale said the feedback YIA has received about their mission has been really positive, and a number of local businesses have already made donations to help out including Otaki Meats, Paul's Meat Centre, Alliance Meats, Woodhaven Gardens and Garden of York.

Usual grant funding options are difficult for the group to obtain, as they don't meet certain criteria within funders requirements, so they are seeking support to help make their first event a reality.

"We're hugely motivated as a group and we really want this event to happen so we're open to any fundraising ideas," said Faavale.

Youth in Action have made connections with Ngāti Raukawa, Whānau Manaaki and Muaūpoko to ensure there is a Māori perspective to the group.

The group already has the backing of Fale Pasifika Horowhenua, a local organisation whose aims are to promote and preserve the cultures of all Pacific Island people within the district.

There's also been a big "buy-in" by students of all cultural backgrounds from both Waiopehu College and Horowhenua College - all keen to volunteer to help with fundraising and to be part of the community fun run/walk in October.

Students from Waiopehu College keen to be involved in the Stepping Into Mental Wealth awareness-raising event happening in October - photo supplied by Youth in Action.

"We're going to touch base with the senior students at Levin Intermediate as well – get them onboard as they're the future of this group," said Faavale.

Youth In Action have set up a website where people can go to register for the Stepping into Mental Wealth event - www.youthinactionhorowhenua.com

The group plan to provide entertainment and food options as well as therapeutic stalls on the day of the event, so if you can help out with any of these please email the organisers on youthinaction.horowhenua@gmail.com

"We're also making connections with other groups who are fundraising for or promoting wellbeing events ... this is about our whole community and how we can support our young people," Faavale said.