On Friday, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced that the Mental Health Foundation has been awarded a grant from the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund. The funding will support Project Wakapuāwai, an initiative aimed at digitizing more mental health resources to provide Kiwis with faster access to essential information and support.
The project’s digital focus is particularly significant for those in remote areas, as Minister Doocey highlighted, “If you are on a farm in Northland or a tiny town in Southern New Zealand, your access to mental health support can be limited. That is not acceptable.” The funding, which is matched by the Mental Health Foundation, will help ensure that every New Zealander knows help is close at hand, no matter where they live.
The funding will enable the Mental Health Foundation to redevelop and future-proof its digital platforms, improving access to information related to mental health, suicide prevention, and mental distress for all New Zealanders. This initiative complements the growing use of telehealth services, expanding access to support for rural and isolated communities where mental health resources may be scarce.
Minister Doocey also emphasized the value of the Mental Health Foundation’s nearly 50 years of experience in supporting communities, noting that their knowledge and expertise are invaluable for addressing the mental health needs of New Zealanders.
This grant is part of the first round of the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund, with other organizations such as Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, and MATES in Construction receiving funding. The total funding for this first round amounts to over $2.3 million.
The Mental Health Innovation Fund, with a total allocation of $10 million over two years, aims to assist NGOs and community providers in scaling up projects designed to improve mental health and addiction outcomes. Further announcements regarding additional successful providers will be made in the coming months.
Minister Doocey concluded by highlighting the Government’s commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that improve access to mental health support across New Zealand, with the next round of funding expected to open later this year.
