National Depression Initiative - Update, December 2010

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FRIENDS for Life Is the only anxiety prevention programme acknowledged by the World Health Organisation for its 15 years of comprehensive evaluation and practice.

The programme was first developed in Australia by Dr Paula Barrett to help build emotional resiliency in children and young people from ages four to 18 years old – so they can understand and cope with anxiety and express their feelings better.

Christchurch-based Lifepaths Trust adapted the 12-session programme for New Zealand in 2005, with the support of the Wayne Francis Trust.  National Manager Anthony Streeter, says the Trust runs training workshops for teachers, support staff and mental health professionals who then deliver the FRIENDS programme to young people. %u2028

Students learn important social and emotional skills, which will help them throughout their life. “They learn practical, useful strategies for coping with stress, as well as problem-solving and conflict resolution skills,” Anthony says.

“That is important because anxiety affects up to 20% of children and young people, and if left unattended can interfere with a child’s development and can lead to social isolation, underachievement and depression.”

Anthony says FRiENDS for Life has proven to have benefits, which last at least six years after children complete the programme.

“Feedback from schools and professionals is always fantastic,” he says.  “They find the programme extremely rewarding and beneficial to student's overall wellbeing and it can make a very positive impact on a school's culture.”

Anthony is currently working with local Canterbury organisations to bring FRIENDS for Life to the earthquake-affected children in Christchurch in 2011. “I have group leaders here who can deliver the programme to young people in need of resilience skills and skills to cope with anxiety following the quakes,” he says.

Lifepaths Trust is also looking for regional and national partners to bring the programme to more New Zealand children over the next few years.

For more information, please contact Anthony Streeter, Manager, Lifepaths Charitable Trust on phone 022 654 3812 or email: anthony@lifepaths.org.nz You can also visit the website: www.lifepaths.org.nz