Lay summary
The research aims to create a resilience index tool for individuals and communities in Aotearoa-New Zealand, emphasising strengths over deficits. The World Health Organization (2024) highlights that protective factors serve to strengthen our resilience. These factors are multifaceted. They include, but are not limited to work, community cohesion, safe neighbourhoods, quality education and social interactions (World Health Organization, 2024). Well-established social networks contribute to individuals bouncing back from mental distress, reducing its impact on both them and their whānau. The activation team, collaborating with diverse experts, including those in primary and secondary mental health services, kaupapa Māori services, machine learning, and public health, seeks to integrate insights from the World Health Organization and other influential research. The goal is to identify community-level elements for a prototype machine learning model, resulting in a resilience index. This tool will shape future interventions and feature in funding proposals.