September 23, 2021
Mental health strategy taking holistic view
The Health Minister says gaps in mental health services aren’t something his ministry can fix on its own.
Andrew Little yesterday released Kia Manawanui Aotearoa, a 10-year plan that includes a greater focus on promotion and prevention, as well as providing specialist support for those with complex needs.
He says while the health system has a role at both the acute and the primary end, other government and community agencies need to play their part.
“Making sure people have decent housing and they don’t have instability in their housing arrangements, making sure people have a job, if people have other health challenges or are disabled, that they are getting those things supported and addressed for them. If there is domestic violence in their lives, that they are getting that sorted and addressed as well if there are addiction issues, they are getting support for that,” Mr Little says.
He says the Government’s investment in health improvement practitioners and health coaches in GP and community health clinics are already starting to make a difference, as they are picking up early-stage problems which could turn into mental harm.