COVID-19 had a significant impact on lives in Aotearoa New Zealand, and presented unique challenges for ethnic communities.

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities partnered with Manatū Hauora - Minsitry of Health to both educate and vaccinate throughout the pandemic. To further support our communities, we are releasing a series of videos to increase awareness of the available health services you can access.

In this video, we’re sharing information for young people about how you can connect to mental health services.

Youth groups within ethnic communities were very active in supporting the COVID-19 vaccine uptake, now we’re asking you to engage once more to share and use the free mental health support available.

During the pandemic, restrictions resulted in increased isolation for our youth: Studying online, time spent away from friends, and a general lack of social interaction.

COVID-19 was also more difficult for some ethnic youth as they supported their families through this uncertain time. We know many of you had to help younger siblings with online learning, support parents to navigate social services, or interpret public health information for them.

In some cases, young ethnic people also had to look for jobs when their parent or caregiver lost theirs or had work hours reduced due to the pandemic.

For some, this caused higher levels of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health issues.

For some of our youth, these mental health issues would not have gone away.

If you are a young person and would like to talk to someone about your mental wellbeing you can call Youthline for free at any time on 0800 37 66 33.

You can also free text on 234 or you can access their webchat counselling online at youthline.co.nz.

For any other health needs call Healthline on 0800 611 116. Interpreting services will be available if you need them.