Mental health inquiry a blueprint for the future

We support the government’s decision to deliver on its commitment to a review of mental health and addiction services in New Zealand. 

Communities that are most in need of quality health and social services are missing out which is evidenced by the disproportionate mental health outcomes experienced by Maori, Pacific people, young people, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+/rainbow communities and refugee communities. 

Changing Minds believes that people who are most impacted by our mental health system should be at the centre of driving the change needed. People with lived experience of mental distress and addictions have the knowledge and skills to provide support and solutions to their peers, whānau and communities. 

Changing Minds agrees that significant investment is needed in early intervention and primary care, and that the mental health and wellbeing of young people needs to be a priority for all services and sectors that work with young people, especially those young people who have experienced difficult life events and trauma. 

Changing Minds CEO, Taimi Allan says, “As a consumer driven organisation, we are particularly pleased by the government’s commitment to hearing and considering recommendations from people with lived experience of using mental health and addiction services as well as consumer leaders and consumer organisations within the sector.” 

“Those of us who live and work from the perspective of having survived and thrived despite mental health challenges are calling for a complete paradigm shift, where those who need help are no longer unwilling participants in their care, but leaders in their own recovery,” says Ms Allan. 

“Aotearoa is ready to lead the world by offering broader choice within services, and start acting upon a more contemporary evidence base to provide innovative and self-determining support.” 

“Changing Minds has, and will continue to collect, articulate, and activate the strategic voice of lived experience for the purpose of creating enduring social change, and we look forward to contributing positively to the inquiry.”