Government not filling the gap in care.

MEDIA RELEASE

Whakamātūtū, the Depression Recovery Centre, is welcoming the government's focus on mental health but says there is a significant gap in the availability of treatment options.  

Whakamātūtū chair Dame Diana Crossan says that between drop-in centres and hospital in–patient treatment there is a huge unmet need and mental health services are being neglected.   
“People who have moderate to severe mental health needs are being left behind.” 

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has announced the funding for six crisis recovery cafes.   The cafes are described as a welcoming place where people can go when they need support. 

Dame Diana stated the government is failing a large number of individuals by not providing funding for programmes like Whakamātūtū. 

 “There are so many of people who need more help than a drop-in centre, but they can be assisted to become positive participants in everyday life, whilst minimising  high costs such as hospitalisation  and welfare, if they receive the right support.” 

Whakamātūtū is one of few places in the country that uses a range of evidence-based therapies to give participants in the greater Wellington region the tools to deal with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other forms of mental distress.  The centre which opened in March, provides a 6-week programme offering a diverse range of therapies to best support their clients. 

ENDS