Connection Creativity Hope

Last week in Auckland, our Chairman, Andrew Hoggard, MC'd the AI in Mental Health Forum, bringing together leaders from health, technology and community organisations to explore where AI can responsibly support mental health care - balancing both the opportunities and the risks.

We were proud to have our Co-founder and Executive Director, Tina Jones MNZM, share Youth In Transition's story and the impact of our Journey Back to Awesome programme. Since opening our doors in 2014, nearly 1,000 young people have been referred to us, receiving wraparound support through counselling, mentoring, peer support, group wellbeing coaching and parent support.

A highlight of the event was the silent auction of OpenMind artworks, with proceeds shared between Youth In Transition and The Runway Foundation. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who bid and supported the auction. Every dollar raised helps us continue providing life-changing support to vulnerable young people when they need it most.

The forum was a powerful reminder that while AI has an exciting role to play in the future of mental health, it can never replace the power of human connection, compassion and early intervention.