Power of co-design for rangatahi and youth mental health webinar, May 2026
Te Hiringa Mahara is kicking off Youth Week 2026 with a webinar focusing on the power of co-design for rangatahi and youth mental health.
The ‘Power of co-design for rangatahi and youth mental health’ webinar presented the key findings from our early intervention and secondary prevention effectiveness review. We also brought rangatahi and young people together to talk about the importance of co-design, what does and does not work well, and examples of co-design in practice, with learnings for improvement.
We know that when rangatahi and young people co-design mental health and addiction supports and services, they’re more likely to stay engaged and get the support they need – leading to a better outcome for rangatahi and young people experiencing mental distress.
Through this webinar, we brought to life Youth Week 2026’s theme ‘Our Voices Matter, We Deserve To Be Heard’ by providing real-life examples of how we can support co-design with rangatahi and young people.
Our speakers were (see biographies below):
- Laura Ross, Te Hiringa Mahara
- Alex Walker, Lived Experience Researcher
- Maggie Shippam
- Abdulla Shiblaq, Yes Disability
- Ariel Waldron, Yes Disability
- Amy Skipper, Mental Health Matters Initiative
When: 10-11am Monday 18 May 2026
Read and download the Effectiveness of early intervention and secondary prevention supports for young people reports
Speaker biographies
Alex Walker, Lived Experience Researcher
Alex is a lived experience researcher who is passionate about moving towards epistemic justice for experiential knowledge within Aotearoa's mental health system. He has worked in a range of lived experience roles, including youth governance and peer support. He is trained in Intentional Peer Support.
Maggie Shippam, PhD Candidate
Maggie Shippam is a PhD Candidate in the School of Health at Victoria University of Wellington. The focus of their PhD research is on the health and wellbeing of young adults with ADHD in Aotearoa. Maggie hopes to create balanced understandings of ADHD that look at strengths AND challenges. This approach is informed by Maggie's 9 years as a community Youth Worker.
Abdulla Shiblaq, Yes Disability
As a community driven individual I have experience in the counselling space, analysing situations and supporting young people integrate to the community. I strive to support young disabled people to build confidence and wellbeing.
I have been in the disability sector for almost 5 years and have gradually stepped into the mental health space in the last couple of years, upon completing my Graduate Diploma in Mental Health and discussing Mental Health with young people. I have built a strong passion to supporting disabled people that have lived experience with mental health and champion for their wellbeing.
Ariel Waldron, Yes Disability
Kia ora, my name is Ariel Waldron. I was born in Ōtepoti/Dunedin, but have lived in Ōtautahi/Christchurch for most of my life. I am Pākeha, and identify as queer (she/her). I live with Fibromyalgia, chronic migraines and anxiety, along with other hidden disabilities. I am excited to be part of the I.Lead kaupapa, and enjoy connecting youth across Aotearoa and ensuring our voices are heard. It is often hard to find rainbow, disability, and youth-friendly spaces, both in daily life and the mental health space. I am passionate about making all spaces accessible, and using my lived experience to inform better service delivery. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, board games and making my own clothes.
Amy Skipper
Amy is the Founder and Executive Director of the Mental Health Matters Initiative (MHMI), a youth-led advocacy platform focused on creating space for young people to have open conversations about mental health. She is passionate about taking a holistic approach to youth wellbeing — recognising the many every day, systemic, and personal factors that shape mental health experiences.
Amy is also currently completing a master's degree in political science at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. Outside of her work and study, she enjoys spending time curled up on the couch with a good book.