We are thrilled to share the power of our community voice has been heard. We have been invited to attend a hearing on the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Amendment Bill in May.

Rākau Roroa is growing in Te Tai Tokerau! As well as being able to offer Rākau Roroa online and in Tāmaki Makaurau, we are so grateful to be able to bring our Rākau Roroa Lived Experience Leadership programme to communities all around the motu in 2024.

There has been a lot of recent media reporting on a New Zealand politician accused of a crime. Changing Minds would like to share our thoughts, to not only challenge prejudice and discriminatory narratives, but also to provide food for thought so that leaders, and anyone in the public eye can feel supported to nurture their own mental health and to be an example for others on their Lived Experience journeys.

Changing Minds recently wrote to the parties currently in Parliament (Labour, National, Act, Greens and Te Pāti Māori) to hear their positions on four questions about supporting Lived Experience. These questions came from what we’ve heard from the community over the past 12 months. Here are the responses we have received.

Over the past 12 months Changing Minds has heard from our community through research, kōrero and engagement on what they wish decision makers knew about Lived Experience ahead of the 2023 General Election.

We share are some of the key messages our community want YOU to know about the challenges, benefits, and insights of experiencing mental distress, addiction or substance use in Aotearoa.

Changing Minds is a national not-for-profit organisation, proudly led by Tāngata Mātau ā-wheako, people with their own journeys of mental distress, substance use or addiction. We embrace the mana of these Lived Experiences as a source of collective strength to activate equitable wellbeing across all of Aotearoa.

On behalf of our community, we are writing to political parties to hear your views on the following questions, informed by Changing Minds community research, kōrero and engagement over the past 12 months.

The following recommendations for change come from a person with Lived Experience in Te Waipounamu. These are part of a larger report of personal experiences this person has prepared to raise awareness of the effects of current mental health systems and services, and to inspire positive change.

Changing Minds is sharing these recommendations with permission, and we hope it encourages our Lived Experience community to share your own ideas to improve mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa.

Recently we asked our community about sharing their insights and expertise as people with Lived Experience of mental distress or addiction. Our hope is that by gathering and sharing this information Changing Minds and others can continue to grow and learn better support Tāngata Mātau ā-wheako, people with Lived Experience of mental distress.

Changing Minds was asked by Manatū Hauora to gather community insights on the experiences of women* with Lived Experience of mental distress and/or addiction or substance use, to inform their Pae Ora | Healthy Futures Women’s Health Strategy.