Zurich’s Z Zurich Foundation has pledged a two-year grant to improve the mental health and wellbeing of New Zealand school students via the Mitey education program, which is being rolled out to schools in Auckland and is set to go nationwide.

Mitey will be run with Zurich New Zealand and the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, a charitable trust set up by ex All Black rugby player and mental health advocate John Kirwan.

Each participating school is given a Mitey coach and access to an online learning platform. Designed by education specialists at the University of Auckland, Mitey aims to upskill teachers to teach mental health strategies in the same way they teach literacy and maths.

One in seven adolescents aged 10-19 are estimated to be living with a diagnosed mental illness globally and the insurer says the collaboration raises awareness and supports practical and positive behavioural change.

“Mitey in New Zealand is one of many important ways that Zurich is living out its commitment to mental wellbeing in the community,” Zurich Australia and New Zealand CEO Justin Delaney said.

In Australia, Zurich supports Tackle Your Feelings, a national program delivering mental health training at community AFL clubs, The Raise Foundation youth mentoring, and Beyond Empathy, an arts organisation enriching the lives of indigenous youth facing recurring hardships.

“We are working towards creating a world where every young person is supported to achieve positive mental wellbeing,” Zurich Financial Services Australia Head of Brand, Marketing & Corporate Affairs Linda Griffin said.

The Z Zurich Foundation also has a global partnership with UNICEF to promote young people’s mental wellbeing which aims to benefit more than half a million adolescents and caregivers in seven countries.