BRO is a mobile safety planning chatbot app that has been specifically designed for New Zealand youth,
with a particular focus on Māori and Pacifica ethnicities
Currently in the research and development stage, BRO has been created in partnership with
The University of Auckland's Associate Professor Sarah Hetrick, who has been working closely with a group of five Māori high school students to ensure that the app meets the needs of its target audience.
The boys’ chose the name “BRO” meaning “Bro, Reach Out”, and have chosen a laid back, graffiti style approach to this app. Their aim is to create an inviting and relatable platform that resonates with youth of the same age group, ethnicity, and gender, with the goal of encouraging them to reach out for help when they need it.
Sarah is a researcher and clinical psychologist. Hetrick is the co-theme lead of A Better Start National Science Challenge digital mental health implementation project and is responsible for the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Aroha Chatbot for youth. She is also the Principal Clinical Advisor, and the current acting Director of the Suicide Prevention Office, Ministry of Health.
Bonnie is a lived experience researcher and was a suicide prevention/postvention coordinator with extensive networks with providers throughout her region and is connected with those in similar roles throughout the country
Suzi (Ngā Rauru) is a social worker and who works in suicide prevention in the Southland and Otago regions of New Zealand, and has a range of research experience. Suzi has been actively involved with our rangatahi in Dunedin and facilitated the co-designed process.
Annabelle is a researcher at the University of Auckland, focusing in youth mental health research. As a young person herself, she brings a youth perspective to our work, while working alongside rangatahi.
Finn is our key lived experience advisor. Hailing from Dunedin, Finn provides a key link between the world of academia and the realities for rangatahi experiencing suicidal ideation. Finn also guided our co-design, to ensure power was shared amongst young people and researchers.
Meet a group of remarkable secondary school students in Dunedin, New Zealand, who share a strong interest in sports, music, and video gaming.
These individuals, who have Maori whakapapa and diverse backgrounds, played a pivotal role in the co-design sessions.
Led by Suzi and Finn, with the invaluable support of Annabelle, our team worked collaboratively despite being spread across different locations. While planning and design took place in Auckland, physical sessions were held in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.
The sessions, lasting between 1-2 hours per week, followed a general structure for design and research purposes but were driven by the insights and input of the rangatahi involved. These sessions provided the foundation for the chatbot's framework, overall ambiance, key features, and language.
We commend the boys for their outstanding work and celebrate their significant contributions to the project.
The researchers have made this happen, but it is the boys and the digital team who have co-designed this Chatbot together.
It includes 'the wall' which enables a representation of safety planning. The wall is derived from graffiti art walls, where pieces can be added which contribute to the overall product.
This helps remind rangatahi what is important and reasons to continue living, which is a key feature of safety planning, but in a more youth-friendly format.
The app is guided by avatars, who through a chat-based dialogue help guide young people through the process of safety plans. It allows rangatahi to be in control of their own safety plans, and create personalised plans through the app.
This means safety plans are only one tap away when rangatahi are in distress.
Poi is 16 years old with Māori and Samoan whakapapa - very fresh from Savai'i!
She is a skilled netball and rugby player, who has battled an eating disorder
as she was often viewed as bigger than her peers.
Poi knows how difficult these struggles
can be, and is here to offer advice, and a shoulder to cry on.
Tiaha is 21 years old with Māori and Kuki whakapapa.
He is currently doing his building apprenticeship, and plays social basketball, volleyball and rugby.
Tiaha was bullied at school for being dark skinned, but through sports he
discovered his confidence, and is here to help you do the same!
Uunuku is 16 years old with Māori and Chinese whakapapa.
They want to be a rapper when they're older.
Uunuku lost both their parents when they were 13 and has been battling this trauma alongside finding their gender identity.
Having someone to confide in is important, that's why Uunuku is here.
Kekeno played a significant role in the construction and development of the BRO app, a collaborative effort that involved co-design with the boys. With their expertise and dedication, Kekeno brought the vision of the app to life, implementing innovative features and ensuring a user-friendly interface.
The research aspect of the project was led by Sarah Hetrik, the driving force behind the study and analysis conducted at the University of Auckland. Through research, Sarah and her team gained valuable insights into the specific needs and preferences of the app's target users.