Geography's affect on young people's mental health - a podcast by RNZ

A new study assessing the relationship between young people's mental health and where they grow up could influence urban and rural planning. Researchers at the University of Canterbury are mapping localities and investigating whether living near gaming venues, takeaways and liquor stores, or green and blue areas like parks and rivers are linked to mental health. One in four young Kiwis have a mental health issue before they turn 18, with M?ori and Pasifika over-represented. It's hoped this will help community advocates to persuade policy makers to take heed, and include findings from the two-year study in future planning. Co-investigator on this project, senior lecturer in public health at the Geo Health Lab at the School of Health Sciences University of Canterbury Matt Hobbs speaks with Lynn Freeman.

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