Articles tagged with Mental Health Support
Government Adds 31 Specialist Mental Health Beds at Manor Park Hospital
2 days ago | 39 viewsThe Government is enhancing mental health support by adding 31 specialist beds at Manor Park Private Hospital, including 15 for adults with complex long-term needs and 16 psychogeriatric beds for secure and transitional care. This expansion aims to provide faster access to appropriate care, reduce hospital stays, ease emergency department pressure, and improve patient outcomes in the Hutt Valley and Capital Coast regions. The initiative is part of a broader mental health plan focused on better infrastructure, more frontline workers, and improved crisis response to deliver compassionate, effective care.
Tags: Matt Doocey Manor Park Private Hospital mental health support psychogeriatric beds Hutt Valley Capital Coast emergency departments mental health plan New Zealand GovernmentNew Zealand Launches AI Platform to Simplify Access to Mental Health Support
3 weeks ago | 121 viewsThe New Zealand government is funding Whakarongorau to develop a mental health AI navigation platform that will help people easily find and access available mental health services, including telehealth and in-person options. This digital tool aims to reduce barriers by guiding users to appropriate support, offering online resources, and enabling direct bookings, thereby addressing the fragmented mental health system. The platform seeks to improve early intervention, increase awareness of existing services, and provide faster, 24/7 access to mental health support across the country.
Tags: New Zealand mental health Whakarongorau AI navigation platform Matt Doocey telehealth Gumboot Friday digital tools mental health support crisis responseBoost in Mental Health Support for Youth and Families in New Zealand
1 month ago | 196 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced increased funding for community organizations in New Zealand to provide faster access to mental health support for young people and families. Initiatives include strengthening helplines for children, creating digital harm response networks, expanding youth programs, running peer support groups for young mothers, and launching online maternal mental health services. The focus is on early intervention and expanding maternal mental health support to set children up for success, addressing the challenge of mental health among youth and reducing wait times through partnerships with various organizations.
Tags: Matt Doocey young people families mental health support community organisations Barnardos Netsafe Graeme Dingle Foundation Ki Tua o Matariki Whānau Āwhina PlunketAsk Groov: NZ's AI Wellbeing Guide for Mental Health Support
2 months ago | 269 viewsMinister for Mental Health Matt Doocey and Sir John Kirwan launched Ask Groov, Health New Zealand’s endorsed AI wellbeing guide, to provide 24/7 mental health support. The tool aims to make support more accessible, practical, and personalized, aligning with the government's plan for faster access to mental health services and crisis response. Ask Groov offers safe, evidence-based guidance for managing mild to moderate mental health challenges, complementing professional care and ensuring users can escalate to human services if needed.
Tags: Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey Sir John Kirwan Ask Groov Health New Zealand AI wellbeing guide mental health support innovative tools mental health planImproved Access to Maternal Mental Health Support in Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Mid Central, and Wellington Regions
4 months ago | 976 viewsNew funding of $4.9 million will improve access to specialist mental health support for women and families during and after pregnancy in Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Mid Central, and Wellington regions. The investment aims to provide timely and appropriate care for those facing mental health challenges during pregnancy or postpartum, including support for birth trauma or stillbirth. This funding will create more roles in community-based specialist infant and maternal mental health services, ensuring more equitable access and reducing wait times for those in need of care.
Tags: women families mental health support pregnancy specialist care Mr Doocey maternal mental health investment access fundingNew Mental Health Accreditation Pathway Opens Doors for 330 Counsellors in NZ Public Services
4 months ago | 1028 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey announces the removal of a workforce barrier for over 330 experienced counsellors in publicly funded mental health services through a revised accreditation process with Health New Zealand and NZAC. The strengthened accreditation pathway aims to address workforce shortages and increase timely mental health support for New Zealanders. The initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce vacancies, utilize underutilized workforces, and improve access to mental health services.
Tags: Matt Doocey Health New Zealand New Zealand Association of Counsellors workforce barriers mental health support workforce shortages Health NZ counselling primary mental health workforce peer support specialistsGovernment-backed Gumboot Friday Provides Vital Mental Health Support for Young New Zealanders
4 months ago | 944 viewsMental Health Minister Matt Doocey supports Gumboot Friday, an initiative aiding youth mental health. Government funding has enabled over 30,000 counseling sessions for 10,000 young New Zealanders. The initiative plans to expand, with 700 counselors registered and aims to reach 15,000 youth with 40,000 sessions in 2025/26.
Tags: Matt Doocey Government funding Gumboot Friday young people mental health support counselling sessions New Zealanders counsellors I Am Hope partnership