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He says that at the age of 12 he got into trouble and was forced to live with his father. He was really scared because he had not heard good things about him. And while he gradually discovered that his dad was a great guy, he still suffers from anxiety that he had first experienced at a very young age.

Using his personal story to connect with those suffering from mental health problems he, along with five other Year 13 students from Ormiston College, came up with a business idea for the Young Enterprise Scheme.

Together they formed a company called Canvas and worked on an app that provided stress-busting games, activities, music and meditation.

The 21st century application is in partnership with Youthline which will make people aware of its existence. It ties in with My Canvas campaign where Coby tells his story.

“The application gives access to every single helpline in New Zealand. You can even use it as a journal to record your thoughts,” says Sahil Chand, chief executive officer of Canvas.

“We worked on the idea along with our college therapist and counsellors from the neighbouring colleges. “There are bubble-popping games with a soothing vibration on the fingertips. There is nothing like this in the market,” he says.

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