The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Amendments Bill Hearing
‘Stunning’
‘Great amplification work’
‘Standing tall and walking tall’
On May 1st 2024 our Kaiwhaihua/Engagement Manager Jodie represented Changing Minds and the Tāngata Mātau ā-wheako community at Parliament, providing context and colour to our submission on the Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy, and attracting some very positive feedback.
In an unusual approach, Jodie chose not to simply read out the submission from the page. Instead, she used the opportunity to make the most of being kanohi ki te kanohi with decision makers, expanding on the submission's key points and amplifying the voices of whānau mātau ā-wheako.
Jodie's presentation made a strong statement on the need for engagement, co-design and true partnership in the Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy and provision of services, and highlighted too the importance of including the voices and needs of those who choose not to engage with services, in the existing framework.
Her eloquence and strong advocacy for Lived Experience engagement and partnership, equitable health outcomes and community informed perspectives brought a wealth of positive feedback for Jodie, and we’re proud to see her recognised for her mahi and dedication. She finished with a list of questions for the select committee, and we’ll be continuing to push for the answers to these:
How will Tāngata Mātau ā-wheako, and whānau, and other communities be part of the solution to direct the final Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy?
When can we expect to see clarification of the Minister of Mental Health’s role, remit and budget to implement a Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy?
Is the intention for this budget to have parity with investment into physical health?
What powers will be utilised or required in order to empower the Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy into action?
Mīharo, Jodie! And ngā mihi nui to all the members of our Lived Experience community who contributed their voices to this mahi.