In this episode of Voices, in the run up to Mental Health Awareness week we talk to South Asian mental health advocate about the gaps and challenges they see in the community. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.

As New Zealand marks Mental Health Awareness Week, we talk to South Asian health advocates about the gaps and challenges they see in the community.

The stigma toward people with mental illnesses in New Zealand is a huge cause for concern.

98.7% of Asians believe the public holds negative stereotypes against people with mental illnesses, while 47.9% of Asians cannot access language and/or cultural support regularly when they use health services.

Fiji-born Shirleen Prasad is a counsellor at Asian Family Services - an NGO service provider for Asians who have been affected by mental health issues and gambling harm.

Also joining us on the podcast is Jennifer Janif, an Auckland-based and Fii-born community development advocate.

Shirleen and Jennifer speak on Voices about the several challenges specifically South Asians face when it comes to dealing with mental health and reaching out for help - including stigma, language and cultural barriers.

Listen to the full episode here

FOLLOW Voices on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Where to get help:

Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202

Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)

Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email [email protected]

What's Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)

Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.

Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254

Healthline: 0800 611 116

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details