This blog shines a light on past speakers and collaborators who have helped shape TheMHS events through their bold ideas, lived experience, and innovative approaches to mental health. By showcasing the people spearheading change across the sector, the post celebrates their contributions while inspiring others to think differently, connect more deeply, and continue pushing for progress. It’s a tribute to the voices driving transformation—and a reminder of the powerful impact that shared knowledge and collaboration can have.
Eden Grimwood is a Youth Mentor and Consumer Advisor at Whāraurau. Eden’s role is to advocate and advise on behalf of rangatahi with lived experience. Her focus is on ensuring their voices are reflected in Whāraurau’s mahi and beyond. She is also responsible for mentoring Youth Consumer Advisors internally and externally to support and encourage them to develop and grow their skills.
Her background includes working with various youth advisory groups and panels, as well as within organisations like Youthline and Auckland Council.
What has been a highlight of your career thus far?
Receiving a bursary to attend the IAYMH Conference in Vancouver, Canada. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from others internationally, share the mahi happening here in Aotearoa, and promote the youth consumer, peer support, and lived experience workforce through my poster presentation.
Another highlight for me was organising and hosting the most recent Youth Leadership Symposium. It created a space for young people from many different walks of life to come together, connect, and gain skills to become leaders of change in their own communities.
Are there any tools, models, or practices you’re currently exploring that excite you?
I am really excited about the growth of the youth consumer, peer support, and lived experience workforce, and how this looks in different services and spaces. I am also a strong advocate for harm reduction approaches, which I believe create safer and more supportive environments for young people.
What do you bring to your mahi that is unique from working in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Whanaungatanga is hugely important here in Aotearoa, and I bring that into all of my work. Especially when connecting with other young people, I focus on building genuine relationships and having meaningful conversations. When someone entrusts me with their experiences, I make sure to honour that by acting on it.
What is a wellbeing activity or practice that is a staple in your life?
I have two dogs who I make sure to have daily cuddles with. They always put me in a good headspace. I also make time for reading, moving my body, and resting, which all help me to stay grounded and well.
