Page 131 - NHS Beyond the Classroom

Wednesday Gilbert 2011

Sir Peter Blake One of these issues
Youth Environmental Forum that really stood out for her
was how our use of palm oil
has created deforestation
Wednesday Gilbert was selected to attend which has forced the
the Sir Peter Blake Environmental Forum. 48 animals from these areas
students from throughout New Zealand were into human inhabited places.
selected to attend the forum and spend the week These animals are then traumatized, often being
sharing and discussing environmental issues with captured, maltreated or killed.
the aim of inspiring action in their own Wednesday Gilbert reported “One of the
communities. many lessons I learnt was that with one action we
This annual event is run in take here locally, whether it’s choosing
partnership with the Ministry for the some shampoo brand to buy, there is
Environment. All 16 Regional Councils always an impact globally. When our
in New Zealand are invited to nominate ‘sustainable tourism’ group visited Goal
their young environmental leaders (15- Island during the forum and we
18 years). snorkeled into the marine reserve, we
Students are hosted for five days learnt how small things can impact on
of workshops and activities culminating the environment, and how important it is
with a presentation of their projects to to educate people in protecting our
invited guests, including local and beautiful coasts.”
national politicians as well as business On returning to their regions the forum
and community leaders. participants are encouraged to continue with their
Projects typically focus on important environmental work and help lead other youth in
topical environmental issues and this year’s focus their environmental stewardship.
was “Water, Tourism and Sustainability”. The Wednesday has already shown her
forum is hands on, student driven and designed to determination to put what she has learnt into
inspire and build the capability of young action in our own community by becoming part
environmental leaders. of the Ngaruawahia Community Board as their
Wednesday feels that her experience of the first youth representative.
Youth Environmental Forum was really She is already valued by the Community
inspirational. It was a real eye-opener when it Board for her input into the Board’s work,
came to some environmental issues that we are especially around sustainability and
experiencing globally. environmental matters.

Judy Paul

Bachelor’s Degree of Nursing &
Masters Degree in Acute Mental Health
attained at Griffith University, Gold
Coast, Queensland, Australia. Judy has
been working in Acute Psychiatry for
20 years on the Gold Coast. She works
in a consultancy service that provides a

1975 photo mental health assessment & risk profile Al Jude Paul-Mischefski
on their patients.