Kia ora whānau

It’s a short update from me this fortnight as I’m currently relaxing and recharging on holiday. But as you’ll see from the updates in this newsletter, there’s still a lot of work going on.

Tranche three of the Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction (IPMHA) services accessed through general practice sites was announced last week. This will see the programme made available in Nelson/Marlborough, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, South Canterbury and West Coast DHB areas where services have not previously been funded. We will also see significant expansion of IMPHA services in the other 15 areas where services are already underway. Embedding mental wellbeing support staff within a general practice removes a huge barrier for people accessing services, and we are hearing really positive feedback from GPs and people using the service.

I hope you’ve had a chance to take a look at the Small Steps tools launched by Te Hiringa Hauora | Health Promotion Agency that we mentioned in our last newsletter. Small Steps are a range of digital activities to support people develop the skills they need to maintain, or improve, their mental health and wellbeing. The initial six tools focus on positive thinking and mindfulness to manage stress or anxiety, and help for those who are feeling down. A further six tools will be added to the website in coming months. Please share these with your networks and encourage people to give them a try, they are for everyone!

Friday, 21 May is Pink Shirt Day, and I really encourage everyone get behind the cause and Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!

Ngā mihi,
Toni