The REID Wellness Program: Pioneering Proactive Mental Health Support for New Zealand‘s Youth
A nationwide initiative born from tragedy is empowering students to articulate their feelings and connecting them with vital support, aiming to prevent youth suicide and foster a culture of wellbeing in schools across New Zealand.
The statistics are stark. Youth suicide remains a critical issue in New Zealand, demanding innovative and proactive solutions. The REID Wellness Programme,spearheaded by the Reid O’Leary Charitable Trust,is emerging as a powerful response – a technology-driven system designed to identify struggling students before a crisis point and connect them with trusted adults within their school environment. This isn’t just another mental health initiative; it’s a basic shift towards preventative care, leveraging technology to bridge the gap between silent suffering and accessible support.
From Grief to Action: The Genesis of the REID Wellness programme
The programme’s origins are deeply personal.Following the tragic loss of Reid O’Leary, over 1,200 mourners gathered to honor his life. From this profound grief, a collective commitment arose: to transform sorrow into tangible action. Family and friends swiftly mobilized, raising NZD $25,000 through community events, demonstrating the widespread desire for change.This initial momentum fueled the “Run for Reido” campaign,led by Reid’s sister,Eden,which ultimately enabled the Trust’s first meaningful investment - a partnership with Linewize to implement school-based mental health technology.
“We’re starting in Hawke’s Bay,with a strong technology-based programme to identify struggling kids earlier and connect them to trusted adults in their schools who can help along,” explains Russell Borschmann,spokesperson for the Reid O’Leary Charitable Trust. “Our goal is to see this level of support for students available across all schools in New zealand and eventually throughout the Pacific.” This enterprising vision underscores the Trust’s commitment to creating a lasting legacy of preventative mental healthcare.
Linewize Pulse: Empowering Students to Speak Up
At the heart of the REID Wellness programme lies Linewize Pulse, a digital wellbeing check-in tool specifically designed for tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people). Recognizing that many young individuals struggle to verbalize their emotional distress, Linewize Pulse provides a safe, confidential space for self-reflection and communication.
“Powering the Reid Wellness Programmeme is Linewize Pulse, a digital wellbeing check-in tool that helps tamariki and rangatahi with how they’re feeling,” Borschmann emphasizes. “we understand that, like Reid, it might potentially be challenging for some young people to talk about their struggles so the programme creates a safe space for them to connect with teachers who can definitely help support them by fostering mental well-being and working to help prevent suicide.”
Andrew sylvester, School Wellbeing Specialist at Linewize, highlights the practical benefits for schools. “Every day, school staff are faced with students who are struggling but can’t find the words to ask for help.Our platform gives schools the visibility to spot patterns early and connect those students with the support they need before a crisis occurs.” This proactive approach is crucial. As Sylvester poignantly states, “Too many young people like Reid suffer in silence. Technology can’t replace empathy but it can give teachers and caregivers the early warning they need to intervene before it’s too late.”
Why Early Intervention Matters: A shift in Paradigm
The REID Wellness Programme isn’t simply about reacting to crises; it’s about preventing them. By providing regular, low-barrier opportunities for students to check in with their emotional state, the programme fosters a culture of open communication and proactive support. This aligns with best practices in mental health, which emphasize the importance of early identification and intervention.
The system’s effectiveness is already demonstrable. Currently, approximately 200 schools – roughly one in twelve across New Zealand – utilize Linewize Pulse, supporting over 64,000 students. “Every day thousands of young New Zealanders are reflecting on their wellbeing and connecting with help through the tool,” Sylvester confirms. This widespread adoption speaks to the growing recognition of the need for accessible, technology-enabled mental health support in schools.
A Call to Action: Expanding the Reach of the REID Wellness Programme
The Reid O’Leary Charitable Trust is actively seeking partnerships with the private sector and co-funders to facilitate a nationwide rollout of the REID Wellness Programme. A key selling point is the programme’s cost-effectiveness. “It costs less than the price of a cup of coffee per student,” Borschmann points out.”With the right partners, New Zealand could become
