Shae Ronald ONZM, CEO of Youthline, has dedicated her career to supporting others and with a real focus the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
With nearly 30 years' experience in the mental health sector, Shae has led Youthline since 2018, guiding the organisation through a transformative period of challenges, growth, and innovation.
Shae’s commitment to youth wellbeing is deeply personal. Having faced profound loss at a young age, she understands the transformative power of support. After losing her father to cancer at the age of 23, she experienced immense grief and a period of deep emotional struggle. Seeking counselling for the first time at 24 proved to be life-changing, igniting a passion in her to ensure that every young person has access to the support they need.
For over 50 years, Youthline has provided vital services to young people aged 12–24 across New Zealand. Its offerings include a free helpline available 24/7 through text, phone, webchat, and email, free face-to-face counselling services, youth mentoring programs, and school and community initiatives focused on leadership and personal development. Youthline serves as a critical resource for young people navigating mental health challenges, seeking personal growth, or simply looking for someone to listen. Under Shae’s leadership, the organisation has expanded its services to meet the changing needs of today’s youth, with a focus on accessibility and relevance.
The challenges facing New Zealand’s young people have grown significantly over the past decade. Youthline has seen a 78% increase in mental distress among young people in recent years. Social media pressures, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, and climate-related adversities have all contributed to this surge. Shae is particularly focused on addressing the inequities that exist within this crisis. Certain communities, including the Rainbow, neurodiverse, Māori, and Pasifika populations, have been disproportionately affected. Shae emphasizes the need for tailored, inclusive approaches to ensure these young people receive the support they need.
A cornerstone of Shae’s leadership at Youthline has been the establishment of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). Comprised of incredible young leaders—many of whom are past or current helpline volunteers or clients—YAC plays a critical role in shaping Youthline’s strategic direction. This initiative ensures that the voices of young people are not only heard but prioritised in decision-making processes. This focus on youth voice and youth choice is at the heart of Youthline’s mission, reflecting its commitment to empowering young people to take an active role in their own development and the future of the organization.
Youthline has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves. Under Shae’s leadership, the organisation has expanded its digital capabilities, introduced 24/7 support services (thanks to funding from ASB), and strengthened its training, supervision, and clinical safety measures for staff and volunteers. These innovations ensure that Youthline remains a trusted and effective support system for young people, regardless of where they are or what challenges they face.
Shae’s approach to leadership is deeply influenced by her own experiences of personal growth and resilience. She prioritises self-care, incorporating mindfulness meditation and time in nature into her routine to maintain her wellbeing. Reflecting on transformative experiences, such as a four-week silent retreat, Shae underscores the importance of resilience and reflection in sustaining her commitment to Youthline’s mission.
In 2023, Shae was awarded an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to youth. This honour reflects her contributions to mental health advocacy and her dedication to improving the lives of young people across New Zealand.
Shae is committed to ensuring Youthline’s financial sustainability and adaptability as it continues to serve New Zealand’s youth.
She recognises the importance of securing funding to maintain the organization’s high-quality services while remaining innovative and responsive to new challenges. Youthline continues to make a transformative impact on countless lives.
For more information about Youthline and how you can support its mission, visit www.youthline.co.nz.
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