Shreya Rao

Facilitator - MH101®

Kia ora tātou 
Ko Puketāpapa te maunga 
Ko Manukau te moana 
Nō Tāmaki Makaurau ahau
Ko Shreya tōku ingoa

 I began working in the advocacy space in 2012. I was passionate about youth mental health and wanted to see a change. My advocacy took me into clinical services, onto governance boards, and on various panels at conferences. I advocated for youth friendly services, services that catered to our Asian youth, and focused energy on prevention. During this time, I also gained conjoint degrees in Public Health and Science (Psychology). 

My proudest achievements are the young people I mentored through programmes with the Mental Health Foundation and Changing Minds. Our young people have spoken at schools, showcased art and poetry, and shared their stories on tv. It gives me great pride to see these rangatahi continue to champion the kaupapa our forebearers began.