Kia ora
As we start to move into the implementation phase of the Mental Health and Addiction Change Programme it is important that we are able to be flexible and responsive to changing conditions.
Whether that’s finding new ways to share knowledge across the system, responding to opportunities to increase service delivery innovations, or shifting timeframes when circumstances change; it is important to continually reassess the landscape to make the best decisions we can based on the information we have available.
While our path may change, our vision for change remains the same:
"Mental health and wellbeing for everyone, in our communities - individuals, whānau and communities supported by trusted health services that respect people’s unique sense of culture, spirituality and wellbeing."
We have been incredibly impressed with the level of engagement from you all with the Local Adult Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Service proposal. We are continuing to work through your feedback, so the timeframe to release the decision document might be delayed slightly but we will continue to keep you updated with the new dates.
In the meantime, you can reach out to MHAchange@ccdhb.org.nz with any questions.
We also want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of you all in supporting tāngata whaiora, whānau, and communities, despite ongoing pressures across mental health and addiction services. Thank you for all you do every day.
Paul Oxnam Scott Ambridge
Executive Clinical Director, MHAIDS Executive Director, MHAIDS
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Te Awakairangi Māori Mental Health and Addiction
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‘Historic’ wānanga wrap up in Te Awakairangi
A series of six half-day wānanga took place over Matariki, held in three locations across Te Awakairangi (Hutt Valley). Over 150 people from a range of organisations came together to share ideas for the future of Māori mental health and addiction services for Te Awakairangi.
“People who attended spoke with passion, commitment and drive for the improvements well overdue in the district,” said the project manager of the Te Awakairangi Māori Mental Health and Addiction workstream, De’arna Sculley.
Participants felt they had taken a lot of learning from the wānanga, with a general sense that the community felt valued, listened to and hopeful for outcomes.
De’arna and her colleagues are now reviewing the feedback from the community to inform a model of care that will be the foundation for future services. Read more on our website.
Community Mental Health and Addiction
Embedding peer support in MHAIDS
There have been some exciting developments in the Peer Support project this month, with new additions to the project team as well as the announcement of MHAIDS teams selected to progress to pilot peer support staff working as part of clinical teams.
The four teams that have been selected to pilot this initiative are; Early Intervention Service, Te Whare o Matairangi, Tūhonohono and Health Pasifika. Each of the teams will be trailing a bespoke adaptation of the model within their teams.
Last month Suzie Baird joined the project group as its sponsor. Suzie is the Director of Lived Experience at MHAIDS, and will be ensuring that this project is equipped with the right intent and support.
Find out more on our website.
Further funding expands Wellington Co-response Team
In a move that will strengthen our ability to support people in the community, MHAIDS has secured funding for more mental health professionals to join the Wellington Co-response Team (CRT).
Initially established as a pilot in 2020, the CRT brings together staff from Wellington District Police, Wellington Free Ambulance and MHAIDS, offering support to people in mental distress from a wider range of specialists.
Expanding the scope and function of the CRT and enhancing its integration within community mental health and addiction service crisis response, is a key part of the Change Programme, and aligns with its vision to provide more timely care closer to where people live in their communities. Find out more about the CRT expansion.
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Update on Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs
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The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs project has been a component of the Community Mental Health and Addiction workstream. However, the operating environment for the Hubs project has changed significantly, and we have decided to pause progress on the development of Hubs for the time being.
This development does not affect our consultation process around the redesign of the Local Adult Specialist Mental Health & Addiction Service.
Read more on our website.
Community Child and Adolescent Mental HealthSharing knowledge and fun at CAPA champions day
The seven CAMHS teams across MHAIDS are at different stages with their implementation of the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA), with some having an established model and others trialling approaches for the first time. So, it’s important that teams come together regularly to share information about what has – or hasn’t – worked well.
Playing an important part in this work is a group of ‘CAPA champions’. Representing each CAMHS team, champions are selected clinicians who share the collective expertise of their teams.
This month the champions organised an all-sector hui for CAMHS teams across MHAIDS, with a focus on local information-sharing and the opportunity to workshop different parts of CAPA. Find out more.
