What Is Āpōpō?

 

Āpōpō – the next day, is a mental health and personal well being workshop for young people, to equip them with practical skills to better support themselves and each other, from early interventions and warning signs , through to those who need help getting safe from harm.’

Our programme is called ‘Āpōpō’, which means ‘tomorrow’ or literally, ‘The Next Day’, because for those struggling in this area, the idea of making it to the next day is a powerful one.

 

He aha te mea nui o tea o?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

What is the most important thing in the world? 
It is people, it is people, it is people. 

 

A Cooperative Approach

This whakatauki underpins the Āpōpō program – people are the most important thing in the world.  We are intended to live together in community . . . not by ourselves.  Yet many people feel alone or isolated especially when it comes to challenges with their mental health and wellbeing.  That’s why we want to leave people feeling encouraged that they are part of the wider picture – of community.  Āpōpō recognises the importance of professional help from counsellors, therapists and the medical sector, while also embracing the value of friends, whānau and community, who serve an immediate and long-term role. 

 

About The Programme

Āpōpō is aimed at a wide age group, from intermediate age, through High School and into adulthood.  There is also an adult version for friends and whānau so that they can be part of the learning journey as well. 

The program includes helpful information, tips and tools presented by a trained facilitator and a team of helpers.  It is adaptable to suit the time and place it is presented . . . from as little as 50 minutes, across multiple sessions.  The core content remains the same no matter how long it takes . . . just the games and activities are tailored to suit.  Here are some of the things you can expect from the experience: 

 

T.A.L.K. 

The 4 foundation stones of Āpōpō:

T - I need to TELL someone about my overwhelming thoughts and feelings 
A - I need someone to ASK me about my mental wellbeing; my thoughts and feelings 
L - I need someone to LISTEN to my thoughts and feelings 
K - I need help KEEPING safe 

Āpōpō:

  • Interactive with games, activities and opportunities for participants to practice T.A.L.K. skills they’ve learned 

  • Teaches skills of how to notice, recognise,  and respond when themselves or others are experiencing overwhelming thoughts and feelings 

  • Embraces a holistic approach to health drawing from the ‘Te Whare Tapa Whā’ model 

  • Is suitable for a range of contexts, from schools to youth groups, churches and community groups (and many more) 

  • Fits within the NZ Curriculum Achievement Objectives for Health and Physical Education.  Specifically, C1 Relationships; C2 Identity, sensitivity, and respect; C3 Interpersonal skills 

  • Fosters positive attitudes towards friendship and mental wellbeing  

  • Does not replace professional supports 

 
 
 

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