Mental health support is expanding nationwide.
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has announced the first three recipients of the Government's $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund, enabling faster access to mental health support across New Zealand. The fund will support non-governmental organisations in delivering innovative projects that increase access to better mental health support.
Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, and MATES in Construction are among the first recipients of the funding. Youthline's Counselling Your Way Programme will expand its services for young people experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety symptoms. The Sir John Kirwan Foundation's Mitey initiative will be scaled up to train teachers in supporting children aged 5-13 years with their mental health. Meanwhile, MATES in Construction will enhance the wellbeing of construction industry workers through community workplace-based programmes.
These organisations will share over $2 million from the fund to improve mental health and addiction outcomes in New Zealand. The next round of funding is expected to open mid-next year.