This year’s Spring General Meeting from The Asian Network Inc (TANI) was about Youth Health and Wellbeing.
Professor Shanthi Ameratunga (University of Auckland), Meggan Lam (Clinical Psychologist and Councillor) Lesley-Ann Guild and Christine Roke from Family Planning were among the speakers at the event.
Professor Ameratunga shared her research findings from the recent Youth Health Survey and discussed future health projects relevant to Asian Youth.
Ms Lam spoke about the high incidence of depression among women and international students of Asian origin. She also highlighted the cases from her clinical work on Asian youths’ mental health.
Ms Guild and Ms Roke outlined the contributing factors of high terminal or abortion rates amongst young Asian women. They facilitated a discussion on ways in which young people can be supported during their difficulties.
Many participants believed that more effective intervention to improve Asian youth health and appropriate motivation to utilise available support services were necessary. There was consensus on the need to develop a better understanding of the current health and wellbeing of Asian youth in New Zealand.
This meeting also initiated TANI’s Youth Wing.
Vishal Rishi is the Programme Manager of The Asia Network Inc and a community worker based in Auckland. Email: vishal.rishi@asiannetwork.org.nz
