Pledge to make a difference, together.
The Kindness Institute's mission is to empower marginalised rangatahi (youth) in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to transform their mental health and wellbeing, and that of those around them, through programmes guided by Te Whare Tapa Wha (an indigenous health model). Our programmes are designed to develop mindfulness, resilience and leadership skills, so that young people have the tools to overcome challenges, improve their wellbeing and live meaningful lives.
There is a well-documented need for this work in New Zealand. For example, research for the Prime Minister's Mental Health Project showed one in five young people will be affected by depression by the age of 18, and almost one in five meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder by 19. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of teen suicide in the developed world, with Maori disproportionately represented. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic and extensive lockdowns have exacerbated this youth mental health crisis in the country.
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