We asked for feedback on funded mental health and addictions services in Tairāwhiti. We wanted to understand from the individual and their whānau how they think the services are working, what needs improvement and how they understand the services work together.
The voice of whānau was central to this work.
He Ara Oranga
The need for our system to operate in a way that ensures whānau/families have access to what they need, when they need it, taking account of who they are or where they live, was highlighted in He Ara Oranga the 2018 Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction.
The voice of Tairāwhiti people was significantly captured in this report and is a starting point for the Tairāwhiti review.
The issues
There are many examples where dedicated staff and good work occur. Many people who need care are being supported by a range of different providers.
Equally, we know the way services are configured is not optimum for the person needing care. They often need to navigate very complex process’ to access this care.
Steering group
The review was steered by - Mahi Tahi Hinengaro – a group with representatives from iwi, mental health and addiction services, Kaumatua, consumer, whānau, and youth.
Goal
A new framework with one system providing high-quality, whānau-centred care to achieve an equitable outcome.
The framework will inform the funder - Hauora Tairāwhiti - of the types of services needed for Te Tairāwhiti population and how services need to work with whanau/families, and each other.
The framework will provide a high-level approach to designing any new mental health and addiction facilities to be built or redesigned with the up to $20 million of grant money announced by the government.
The model of care for all funded Mental Health and Addictions Services in Tairāwhiti will be based on a broad base of community knowledge, thanks to the huge response to hui (meetings) held late last year.
Initial consultation
More than 300 people and organisations shared their thoughts on the mental health and addictions issues Tairāwhiti faces.
We also got feedback from questionnaires, an online form, workplaces and organisations that provide services to people affected by mental health and addiction, like police and clinical staff.
Next steps
Feedback has been analysed and drafted into a framework that will be consulted on in March and April 2021.
Progress on this project was delayed due to COVID-19
Background on the Mental Health Review project