Changing Minds Calls for Urgent Investment in Mental Health

In May, Changing Minds joined the RANZCP (Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists) and other mental health organisations in urging the Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey and the Coalition Government to invest in Aotearoa New Zealand’s mental health system.

Co-signing the RANZCP's open letter to the Minister, our Kaiwhaihua Jodie Bennett said, “We were very disappointed in the omission of mental health as a priority area in the latest budget policy statement. This is an oversight our Lived Experience community expects answers on as a matter of priority.” 

With around 260,000 New Zealanders living with moderate-to-severe mental illness or distress, demand for mental health services is steadily rising. But investment is lacking, causing what mental health professionals have called 'skyrocketing unmet need' and  'a workforce faced with immense stress, burnout, and exhaustion'.

Significant investment is required, something which Changing Minds will be asking of Minister Matt Doocey (Minister of Mental Health) in an upcoming hui.

“Changing Minds is also actively pursuing further information on the Minister’s role, remit and budget to gain clarity on the function of his role,” says Jodie, who is also interested to learn more about Lived Experience input into the upcoming Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy being drafted by Minister Doocey’s office.