Weaving the strands together for a stronger future: Responding to the mental health needs of Pacific children and young people.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to summarise the findings of a virtual workshop at the Creating Futures 2023 Conference held on October 18 with 45 participants attending from Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Cook Islands, Australia and New Zealand. Brief presentations about future mental health needs of Pacific children & young people were followed by small group discussions. These focussed on how island nation participants could "make it real" by considering actions to promote mental health and wellbeing in their communities.

Conclusions: A wide variety of actions and strategies were recommended, spanning the implementation of national plans, integrating culture, preventing suicide, including the voice of children and managing trauma. The small group discussions found that the range of responses to meet future needs demanded a broad public health response, significant workforce development and the promotion of mental health.